Editor’s Note: This is the first in a new series where the Turlock Journal staff will look into issues requested by our readers. To submit a Reader Request topic, email khacker@turlockjournal.com or call 209-634-9141.

The City of Turlock has installed seven new multi-way stops at intersections around town in 2017. The City also recently made improvements on the traffic signal at Fulkerth Road and N. Golden State Boulevard, while a private company installed a new traffic signal on Washington Road, between West Main and Fulkerth, across from the entrance to Valley Milk Company.

In 2018, the City anticipates installing a traffic signal at the intersection of N. Olive Avenue and Wayside Drive and on the northbound and southbound on and off ramps at the Fulkerth Road exit off Highway 99.

The process of installing a stop sign — or new traffic signal — is based on the traffic patterns of conflicting movements (left turns or pedestrians crossing), accident history or sheer volume of traffic, according to City of Turlock Principal Civil Engineer Nathan Bray.

Residents of Turlock can request the installation of a stop sign by filling out a written request, available at: https://www.cityofturlock.org/streetstraffic/speedcontrol/stopsigns.asp or in the Engineering Department at City Hall, 156 S. Broadway. The City performs a warrant analysis on intersections identified as possibly in need of a stop sign.  If the location meets the criteria, then the City Engineer would determine, through engineering judgment, if a multi-way stop would be installed.

“Community input is a valued component of determining potential traffic changes.  Community input, combined with warrant analysis, engineering studies and professional engineering judgment are all weighed in the decision.  Every location is unique with special considerations to be made.  Some of the future intersection improvements are identified in the City’s General Plan and various specific plans while others are identified from community input,” said Bray.