Subject:
Title
Request approval of the Transportation Safety Commission (TSC) motion for implementing an all-way stop configuration at the intersection of Cottage Street and Plum Street, SW.
Body
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE:
N/A
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
The Department of Public Works (DPW) requests approval of the Transportation Safety Commission’s (TSC) motion for implementing an all-way stop configuration at the intersection of Cottage Street and Plum Street, SW.
In accordance with Section 5A of the “Town of Vienna Guide to Improving Street Safety,” the Town Council will consider all TSC motions and recommendations at a regularly scheduled Town Council meeting. If a motion is passed by TSC, then DPW will present the motion to the Town Council.
At the June 30, 2026, Transportation Safety Commission (TSC) meeting, the members of the commission again discussed the Plum and Cottage Street, SW, intersection.
The original petition was heard at the October 2020 TSC meeting. DPW returned to the TSC in January 2021 with their findings and recommendations. DPW had reviewed the Cottage Street and Plum Street, SW, intersection configuration including sight distance, and other safety factors during site visits and in office review. DPW recommended adding high visibility marked crosswalks across Cottage Street, SW, at the intersection with Plum Street along with the appropriate signage and curb ramps. All the curb ramps will likely need to be replaced. At least one of the curb ramps will be replaced utilizing the Robison Trust Fund as there is a proposed Trust Fund sidewalk to be constructed along Plum Street. After hearing from DPW and public comment, the TSC voted in favor of this recommendation. Vice Chairman Angela Sorrell made the motion; Commissioner Charlie Strunk seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous, 9 - 0.
Then, in October 2024, the petition was revisited based on citizen requests. DPW reviewed the intersection configuration, sight distance, and other safety factors during site visits and in-office review. Based on speed and volume data gathered along both roadways from Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, to Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, DPW did not recommend additional traffic calming mitigations. The 85th percentile speed along Cottage Street was 28 MPH and the average speed was 24 MPH. Based on the traffic volumes, DPW concluded stop signs along Cottage Street at the intersection with Plum Street are not warranted. DPW did recommend advanced warning pavement markings along Cottage Street for the pedestrian crossing to help alert drivers of the crosswalks at the intersection. Identifying a pedestrian at the intersection can be challenging if a vehicle is parked on-street at 801 Cottage Street. The recommended pavement marking will help mitigate this issue. DPW anticipates the pavement markings to be either “PED-XING” or a person-crossing symbol/image. DPW will also continue to explore other alternatives approved in the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). DPW can add the pavement markings with a work order; there is no need for a motion from the TSC. Chairman Beth Eachus asked that DPW consider rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) and will add “cross traffic does not stop” signage for this intersection. This did not require a new petition.
In June 2026, the intersection of Plum Street and Cottage Street, SW, was again revisited based on citizen requests due to a number of vehicular and pedestrian accidents. Currently, there are hi-visibility crosswalks, advance warning pavement markings and RRFBs at the intersection as per the review and recommendations made in 2024. At the June 30, 2026, meeting, Mr. Jinks explained the addition of two more vehicle accidents at this intersection does meet one of the warrants for installing a 4-way stop, however numerous other warrants, outlined in the MUTCD, have not been met. Mr. Jinks stated that there is a significant difference in volumes along Cottage Street compared to Plum Street and he believed that there would subsequently be compliance issues with stopping along Cottage Street. Since the crossing signals and pavement markings were approved by the TSC and Council and installed about two years ago, there were no accidents in 2025 and no accidents until June of 2026, when there were two.
After hearing from DPW and receiving public comment, the TSC members discussed the intersection including the safety concerns of the residents and recent accidents. After discussion, Chairman Beth Eachus proposed a four-way (all-way) stop at the intersection of Cottage Street and Plum Street, SW. Commissioner Kate French seconded it.
The vote is as follows:
Beth Eachus voted AYE
Kate French voted AYE
Ken Nahigian voted AYE
SallyJean Penna voted AYE
Donna Smith voted AYE
Charlie Strunk voted NAY
Bets Thomas voted NAY
Loginn Kapitan abstained
Len Ignatowski was absent
The motion carried 5-2 with one member abstaining and one absent member.
The TSC asks that Town Council consider their motion and recommends that an all-way stop be established at the intersection of Cottage Street and Plum Street, SW. With an all-way stop configuration the existing RRFBs will be removed and relocated elsewhere in Town.
Departmental Recommendation: Recommend Approval.
Finance Recommendation: Recommend Approval.
Purchasing Recommendation: Recommend Approval.
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town Council may consider the recommendations of the Transportation Safety Commission and Town staff and may approve or deny the stop sign configuration in its discretion.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council approve the Transportation Safety Commission (TSC) motion for implementing an all-way stop configuration at the intersection of Cottage Street and Plum, SW, as presented.
Cost and Financing: $800.00
Project Account: 426TRSPIMP-MISC -CONSTRUCT
GL Account: 300-026-1041-39445-48803
Decision Needed by This date: Oct. 5, 2026
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to approve the Transportation Safety Commission (TSC) motion for implementing an all-way stop configuration at the intersection of Cottage Street and Plum Street, SW, for a total of $800. "
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.