New turnable stop signs at the intersection of 4th Street and Fillmore Avenue in Fairfield became active Tuesday, April 14th, as part of the Fairfield Community School District’s ongoing effort to improve student safety near school travel routes.
The Fairfield Community School District announced the activation in a letter to families, asking all parents, students, and community members to use extra caution when traveling near the intersection and to be mindful of the new traffic pattern changes. Drivers are encouraged to remain alert, obey all posted traffic signs, and allow extra time as everyone adjusts to the updated controls.
“Student safety remains a top priority for the Fairfield Community School District, and we appreciate the cooperation of our families and community in helping keep our students safe,” the district said in its announcement.
The stop signs were approved by the Fairfield City Council on March 9th following a request from the school district. City Engineer and Public Works Director Melanie Carlson brought the request to the council, noting the district already operates two crosswalks with turnable stop signs on Fillmore—one at Fifth Street and one at Sixth Street—and was requesting a third at Fourth Street. The school district now uses turnable stop signs at all of its crosswalk locations.
Council Member Tom Twohill, who said he has lived in the area for more than 20 years, was supportive of the addition. “Fourth is the one that goes back into the ball diamonds,” Twohill noted, adding that the intersection sees significant pedestrian traffic, particularly during fall sports seasons and after school hours. “It’s after school especially, it’s a busy intersection with kids crossing right there. So I don’t see any problem with that at all.”
Fourth Street functions as a collector street with higher-than-average traffic volumes, as many drivers use it to avoid Sixth Street. The crosswalk and turnable stop sign required a city ordinance, which Carlson brought directly to the full council without committee review given the widespread support for the measure.
