BYRON — Byron residents who commute or live on Ninth Street Northeast soon will get a three-way stop to help slow traffic.
After a lengthy discussion Wednesday night, the Byron city council voted unanimously to put in the signs.
The speed limit on the road is 30 mph, which is too fast for that street and neighborhood, said council member Alan DeKeyrel, who brought the idea to the council.
Olmsted County Sheriff’s Deputy Greg Wood agreed with DeKeyrel that people travel too fast on that road, especially on the section where Second Avenue Northeast intersects with the north side of Ninth Street.
DeKeyrel’s original proposal included the placement of a three-way stop at the intersection of Somerby on Ninth Street and Somerby Gateway Northeast also. Byron resident Bill Whitworth spoke to the council about the need for a three-way stop there.
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"I live there, I know what happens with traffic," he said.
The council also decided to place more speed limit signs on various streets to slow traffic, and to place "stop ahead" signs in front of the new stop signs.
The street serves as an artery to and from 10th Avenue, and council member Jason Snow said he doesn't want to slow traffic too much.
"We slowed traffic on Fourth Street when the elementary school stopped busing students who live close to the school by installing a crosswalk and signs. We care about safety," he said.
In other business, the council approved:
• A furlough policy allowing PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association) contributions by the employee and the city for furlough days.
• The annual Good Neighbor Days dance July 17 at the Byron Fire Department.
• The appointment of Steven Cook to the city planning commission.
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The next meeting of the council will be at 6 p.m. June 9 at city hall.
