At Last, North Loop Gets 4-Way Stop At Busy Intersection
The North Loop safety improvement that so many pedestrians and cyclists have been waiting for is finally here: a 4-way stop sign at 6th Avenue North and North 4th Street–near the newly-opened Killen’s Pub.
Crews from Minneapolis Public Works just installed the new signs at the intersection where pedestrians would often step out, assuming the oncoming traffic had to stop–only to see a full-speed car barreling toward them on 6th Avenue.
“This intersection was so confusing and dangerous for everyone,” said Mary Binkley, president of the North Loop Neighborhood Association. “Having a four-way stop here makes it safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.”
As this neighborhood has evolved, drawing more residents and even more visitors, the NLNA has reached out to city council member Michael Rainville, who, in turn, spoke to Minneapolis Public Works about this safety issue.
“These streets were originally designed for an industrial use,” said Rainville. “This used to be an industrial area. Now it’s a residential and entertainment area with lots of pedestrians.”
Rainville organized a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the new signs with NLNA leaders along with Allan Klugman, Director of Traffic and Parking Services. Klugman said the city studies a number of factors before deciding on any new sign placements.
“We look at crash histories, we look at traffic counts, and very importantly, we look at pedestrian counts,” he said. “The pedestrian counts have grown in this neighborhood, and that’s what justified the warranting of an all-ways stop sign at this intersection.”
Klugman encourages people who are concerned about other pedestrian hazards to contact Minneapolis 311, so that the city has a written report to act on.
By Mike Binkley, North Loop volunteer