TRAFFIC ALERT: New stop signs at 44th/Findlay

4:47 PM: Thanks for the tip! That’s one of two new stop signs on 44th SW where it meets SW Findlay [map]. This is just west of California/Findlay, where SDOT installed a pedestrian-activated “half-signal” last October. The reader who emailed us about this earlier today said “yield” signs had been there previously, adding, “Not sure why the change – no recent increase in accidents or near-misses. Also, when traveling north on 44th, the new stop sign is obscured by a tree.” Same tree that’s in our photo, but the sign only comes into view when you arrive right up to it. We have a question out to SDOT about the rationale for the installation.

6:50 PM: SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson responded, “This was a standalone project. The new stop sign is intended to enhance safety and provide clarity for people traveling through this intersection.”

16 Replies to "TRAFFIC ALERT: New stop signs at 44th/Findlay"

  • Mr J June 8, 2023 (5:26 pm)

    Good news! I hope they do Juneau next.

    • west side resident for life June 9, 2023 (2:18 pm)

      Juneau need round abouts at each intersection. People are constantly going WAY above 20mph 

  • Wsdriver June 8, 2023 (5:44 pm)

    Also new all way stops at 25th and Trenton.

  • Odd son June 8, 2023 (6:03 pm)

    I think the property owner is responsible for trimming the tree. I would highly encourage them to take this proactive measure. 

    • Highland park dad June 8, 2023 (6:44 pm)

      Can’t you report issues like to the find it fix it app? I’ve never reported residential overgrowth but SDOT has been great about fixing the stay healthy streets signs people knock down. 

      • Odd son June 8, 2023 (7:56 pm)

        FIFI will probably send the property owner a letter. SDOT will trim vegetation in certain situations but property owners are largely responsible for maintaining easements like this.

    • 44th resident June 9, 2023 (6:45 am)

      Property owner here. We are aware of the issue and it will be resolved. We are so thankful for the new stop signs at this very dangerous intersection. This tree has produced over 100 pounds of apples a season for donation to City Fruit – it’s had a good run! 

      • west side resident for life June 9, 2023 (2:22 pm)

        It will be sad to see this tree go. When my son was young and rode his bike around the neighborhood he enjoyed stopping and having an apple off your tree. 

  • Chris June 8, 2023 (7:24 pm)

    Yes, but will they all stop at the stop sign.   We were almost t-boned a few days ago with a driver running a stop sign on California Ave S W.   We managed to quickly & safely steer out of the way.   Thankfully there were no other cars in the way.   It was quite disconcerting to almost be in a bad accident. Then the driver gave us the finger.   We were just thankful to be safe.  

    • alki_2008 June 9, 2023 (5:14 pm)

      There’s a stop sign for cars travelling on California Ave SW?

  • LyndaB June 8, 2023 (8:49 pm)

    The tree by the stop sign across from us got a trim today as well as the tree in the round-about by city workers. Maybe someone did report it over here.

  • Chemist June 8, 2023 (9:53 pm)

    There’s now a 30 ft setback from intersections requirement for street trees, which this intersection has serious issues with now.  At least one or two trees need to be removed to meet 30 ft sightline requirements and SDOT’s crew switching the sign from yield to stop would have hopefully reported this concern.  See the attached photo showing the tree more fully.

    • MJ June 8, 2023 (10:18 pm)

      Thanks for the good info! Many of the safety improvements don’t seem to help much. Clear sight lines at intersections are a practical low cost improvement.

  • JustJedSaid June 9, 2023 (12:41 am)

    Speaking on the subject of Findlay, who actually made the costly decision to install the half stop light, instead of a much more cost-effective and practical blinking pair of signal beacons (like 35th/SW Kenyon)? We could’ve easily installed 3 or 4 beacons along California’s busy crosswalk areas, for the price of this half signal.

    • K June 9, 2023 (7:17 pm)

      That intersection already had a constantly blinking crosswalk beacon that everyone ignored.  I personally know 2 people that were hit by cars in that intersection through no fault of their own.  I also have witnessed countless near misses, including children walking to school nearby being hit.  The “costly” upgrade has been well worth it.  I’m relieved every time I see someone that is able to cross safely.  

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