City says numbers will determine if Capitol Hills rogue stop signs become official

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has responded to the community's push for better traffic control following the unauthorized installation of stop signs at critical intersections in Capitol Hill. These rogue signs, which created four-way stops at busy junctions, were swiftly removed, but the SDOT acknowledged the underlying concern for pedestrian safety. To evaluate the need for official stop signs, SDOT will collect data on traffic patterns and past collisions, which include seven reported incidents at 13th and John and 22 at 14th over the past decade. Observations during the rogue installation indicated that drivers and pedestrians adapted well to the changes, though some confusion persisted on social media. SDOT's typical process for implementing traffic upgrades is more deliberate, requiring customer requests, design plans, and data analysis.

The department emphasizes adherence to city standards, noting that unauthorized signs can lead to confusion. While the community's guerrilla efforts highlight a desire for safer streets, SDOT prefers that such initiatives be coordinated through official channels. Residents are encouraged to contact SDOT with traffic improvement requests to ensure a more structured approach to safety enhancements.