New Stop Signs Installed Around Old Town Eureka

EUREKA, Ca. (KIEM) – If you were driving around Downtown Eureka, you might have had a few more stops than normal. That’s because some new stop signs were installed.

Pedestrians and drivers may or may not have noticed the change around Downtown Eureka.

They’re decorated with orange flags on top, they’re big, bright red, and have eight sides. They’re new stop signs.

The City of Eureka installed new stop signs at First and F Street, Second and F Street, Second and E Street, and Third and G Street. Originally, these stops were once two-way streets. Now, they’re 4 way stops.

“Stop signs are a tool for managing right of way, and these intersections have high pedestrian volume,” says Scott Ellsmore, a Traffic Project Manager at the Public Works Office.

It’s all to improve the flow of traffic and to improve pedestrian safety.

Several pedestrians say these new stop signs are much needed.

“Walking here is terrible,” says Lily Soryu, a frequent pedestrian at downtown Eureka, “people are always driving like they’re about to get on the freeway, it’s reckless.”

But they’re especially needed during nighttime on weekends.

It’s a small change. But much needed safety one.

“I also think it’s good because they’re most likely really old streets,” said Jennifer Flores, “it’s old town for a reason so it’s going to need new changes and stuff to accommodate for cars.”

Old Town Eureka has many visitors, with people shopping, dining out, or simply just hanging around. It’s important that these new stops are in place.

“When you have lots of pedestrians crossing with lots of vehicles having a stop sign will help everyone understand who needs to go in their turn,” said Ellsmore.

But for some, they might not see or feel the change.

“Most people will drive through there and feel like those stops signs were there for a long time,” adds Ellsmore.

The Public Works Office says, they plan to keep the orange flags up for a few months. So pedestrians and drivers are aware of the new stop signs.