2020-008 Traffic Signal Installation at Sherman & Loop 288Date: January 24, 2020 Report No. 2020-008
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Timeline for the traffic signal installation at Sherman and Loop 288
BACKGROUND:
On Wednesday, January 15, Traffic Operations staff completed the installation of ALL-WAY
STOP signs at the intersection of Loop 288 and Sherman Drive (FM 428). These STOP signs were
installed with the concurrence of TxDOT as in interim safety measure while the permanent traffic
signal design and installation are completed.
On Saturday, January 18, the Denton Police Department was notified about dangerous driving
conditions at Sherman and Loop 288. The reported driving behavior included persons running
newly installed STOP signs at the intersections. Staff immediately passed the information on to
the Traffic Unit supervisor, Sergeant Bryan Cose, who began coordinating enforcement, education
and engineering into a response.
While researching the intersection, Sergeant Cose found that two crashes occurred in the
intersection on October 22, 2019 and October 23, 2019. Both of these occurred prior to the new
STOP signs being deployed and were caused by vehicles failing to yield the right of way while
turning left. The Traffic Unit began education operations on Sunday, January 19 by deploying two
electronic messaging boards to warn drivers of the new STOP signs ahead.
On January 20, DPD began enforcement operations and, to date, have issued 8 (eight) citations
and 6 (six) warnings. On January 23, a social media traffic safety post was disseminated to make
drivers aware of the new signage and the dangers of running the STOP signs.
OPTIONS:
Engineering staff will continue to work on the permanent traffic signal construction plans in
concert with a small transportation project that adds traffic lanes on Sherman at this interchange.
The estimate for the commencement of construction for this project is 5-6 months.
Staff has also investigated, however, the opportunity to install a temporary signal on wood poles
until the permanent signal is completed. This installation would take approximately 4-6 weeks and
would relieve the congestion by replacing the ALL WAY STOP signs with a traffic signal.
A third option would be to simply restripe Sherman to provide additional traffic lanes using the
existing shoulders. This work could be completed in less than 2 weeks and would also relieve the
congestion but retain the ALL WAY STOP signs at the intersection.
The last two options will require the approval of TxDOT and staff is currently in discussions with
TxDOT to determine their preferred path forward.
Date: January 24, 2020 Report No. 2020-008
At this time, staff is not recommending the temporary signal due to potential conflicts with the
pending construction project. During this construction, it is likely that any temporary signal
installed would need to be removed to allow for the new improvements, and staff is concerned that
transitioning from a STOP condition to a signalized condition and back to a STOP condition would
further confuse motorists and lead to decreased safety at the interchange.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff does, however, recommend that the City install additional signage including two driver
feedback signs on Sherman north and south of the interchange and additional beacons on the STOP
AHEAD signs located north and south of Loop 288 on Sherman. Staff is also investigating the
opportunity and benefit of adding pavement markings reinforcing the new STOP condition. These
changes can be made by mid-February.
STAFF CONTACTS:
Brian Jahn
Capital Projects
brian.jahn@cityofdenton.com
Sgt. Bryan Cose
Police
bryan.cose@cityofdenton.com
REQUESTOR:
Council Member Briggs