New Four-Way Stop Coming to Esplanade and Wall Near Klamath Union High School
City says safety concerns and visibility challenges prompted a traffic study and new traffic pattern
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Drivers traveling near Klamath Union High School will soon encounter a new traffic pattern as the City of Klamath Falls converts the intersection of Esplanade Avenue and Wall Street into an all-way stop.
The change comes at an intersection that serves as a key access point to the high school. From Esplanade, Wall Street crosses the A Canal on the bridge leading toward the Klamath Union campus, placing school traffic, pedestrians and other motorists together at a crossing the city says presents visibility challenges.
The intersection of Esplanade Avenue and Wall Street in Klamath Falls, where the city is installing an all-way stop to address safety and visibility concerns near a key access route to Klamath Union High School. (Google Street View)
City officials said concerns about the intersection had been raised by members of the public, including Klamath Union High School staff, students and parents.
Those concerns ultimately led the city to hire a consultant to conduct a traffic study.
According to the city, that study determined the intersection met the warrants for an all-way stop, providing the engineering basis for the change.
SAFETY CONCERNS PROMPTED REVIEW
The city identified visibility as one of the concerns at Esplanade and Wall, particularly during certain turning movements.
The location also carries an added layer of activity because Wall Street provides direct access toward Klamath Union High School across the A Canal.
“The change comes in response to safety concerns raised by the public, including Klamath Union High School staff, students, and parents,” the city said in its announcement.
Those concerns led the city to hire a consultant to conduct a traffic study. According to the city, that study determined the intersection met the warrants for an all-way stop, providing the engineering basis for the change.
“In addition to improving traffic safety, the all-way stop will help address visibility challenges that can make certain turning movements at the intersection more difficult,” the city said.
The city did not release the underlying traffic counts, crash data or other details from the consultant’s study in Tuesday’s announcement.
The new configuration will require motorists approaching the intersection from all directions to stop before proceeding.
INSTALLATION BEGINS JULY 21
Installation of the new stop signs and pavement markings is scheduled to begin Tuesday, July 21.
The intersection will begin operating as an all-way stop once that work is complete.
City officials are asking motorists to use additional caution during the transition, particularly as regular drivers become accustomed to stopping where they may not have previously been required to do so.
For families and students traveling to Klamath Union High School, the change will also alter the familiar approach to the Wall Street bridge and school entrance.
Cover image: The intersection of Esplanade Avenue and Wall Street in Klamath Falls will be converted to an all-way stop. Wall Street crosses the A Canal toward Klamath Union High School, making the intersection a key access point for school traffic and pedestrians. (Google Street View.)
