Fairview commissioners approve stop signs at Old Nashville Road and Jones Lane after staff sight-distance analysis

The Fairview Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Nov. 20 to install two stop signs, painted stop bars and advance warning signs at the intersection of Old Nashville Road and Jones Lane after engineering staff told the board sight-distance did not meet AASHTO/MUTCD criteria for a 30 mph approach.

Curtis, the city's engineering staff member, told the board staff "recommends that the board authorized installation of 2 stop signs, 2 painted stop bars, and 2 stop sign ahead advance warning signs at the intersection of Old Nashville Road installed in conformance with MUTCD guidance." He said crash records for the intersection showed zero reported accidents in the last three years but that field measurements during a Nov. 18 site visit produced approximately 300 feet of sight distance to the west and approximately 240 feet to the east, which he said is below AASHTO standards for the 30-mph case.

Commissioner Hall had asked staff to analyze the intersection after resident concerns about speed and sight lines. Curtis told the board that the primary reason for the recommendation is sight-distance limitations rather than speed control, noting that "MUTCD state stop sign shall not be used primarily for speed control." Board members discussed the measurements, the potential for vegetation to reduce sight lines in spring months, and alternatives such as other traffic-calming measures, but commissioners agreed the sight-distance issue justified the immediate installation.

Miss Jones called the roll for the motion to approve; Vice Mayor McDonald, Commissioners Hall, Roberts, Buffalini and Mayor Anderson all voted "aye." The item passed 5-0.

The board did not attach any additional conditions to the installation; staff will proceed with sign placement and paint work to conform with MUTCD guidelines.