Four-way stoplights two blocks west of Newton’s square could be replaced with stop signs for east and west traffic. Newton Public Works Director Joe Grife is suggesting the change for West 4th Street North and North 2nd Avenue East for several reasons. He says those four stoplights were installed in 1993 and run on a loop, so they are not coordinated with the 1st Avenue East stoplights one block south. He also says replacing them will cost between $250,000 and $300,000, and the current traffic count for the intersection does not warrant the stoplights. 

“They would have to double the amount of cars there for it to be warranted. If we were to go to stop signs, we wouldn’t have the monthly cost for electricity and minimal maintenance. Logistically, this makes all the sense in the world. These were put in when Maytag was here for that traffic pattern, and we just don’t have that now with the different uses in the area.”  

Grife says the current traffic count at West 4th Street North and North 2nd Avenue East is now just over 60 cars per hour. His proposal is expected to be considered at the next Newton City Council meeting on  February 3rd.