Bridges and highways are important and essential parts of our local and regional infrastructure. However, don’t forget the other infrastructure that might not take as long to build, cost as much, or be quite as controversial, yet could still improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow. Stop signs are infrastructure too. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in the 2000 census, the population of Clark County was 345,238. In 2020, that population was all the way up to 503,311.
Intersections that functioned properly when they were built decades ago are showing their age. I can think of six intersections in Battle Ground alone that would greatly benefit from transitioning from a two-way stop to a four-way stop. Stop signs are cheaper than stop lights or roundabouts and are both easier and quicker to install. That is not to say they are free though. According to Emedco, a single stop sign could vary in price between $10 and $150. That doesn’t include additional warning signs or labor and shipping. I know improvements are being made but in today’s world they take longer and longer. Let’s not ignore the low-hanging fruit that might provide great benefits without costing so much time.
Jordan Hamann,
Battle Ground
