The city will install a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Main and Manana streets on a trial basis.

The decision came after about a dozen residents who live near the intersection attended a traffic committee meeting Tuesday and asked something be done to slow traffic.

Committee members voted unanimously to install stop signs at the north and southbound ends of the intersection, creating a four-way stop, for a trial period of 90 days or more to determine if it resolves concerns.

To prevent compounded congestion issues and compensate for the new stopping point, stop signs on Main Street at its intersection with Plains Avenue will be removed, creating a two-way stop.

City Manager Joe Thomas cautioned the change may not solve all the problems and could even cause unintended consequences.

“If you relieve congestion in one place, chances are you’re moving it someplace else,” Thomas said.

“We just need to make sure that everyone understands there may be unintended consequences.”

Residents said drivers entering the intersection from Main Street struggle to see oncoming southbound traffic due to a curve in the road. They also expressed concern for school children crossing the street and parked vehicles at a business on the northwest corner of the intersection also reduce visibility.

“It’s playing Russian roulette. ... Something needs to be done in the immediate future,” said resident Nancy Gallagher, who suggested the city install the four-way stop on a trial basis. 

She said traffic in the area is increasing.

Some of the resident’s suggestions at the meeting included speed bumps and a traffic light, which committee members said would not work because they can create other liabilities, are costly, could block entrance to a local school or could send traffic through residential neighborhoods.

City Traffic Superintendent Kevin Musick told residents to be prepared for issues that could grow from the changed signage.

“There’s not going to be a perfect solution to this,” he said.

Committee members agreed, if problems arose, the trial period can be reevaluated.

Installation of signs could begin as early as Monday, Musick said.