There’s a new traffic change at S.E. Cochran Rd. and S. Troutdale Rd. in east Multnomah County. The intersection, which previously had a traffic signal, is now permanently a four-way stop. Multnomah County Transportation wants to remind the community to use caution at this intersection and obey traffic laws at the newly installed stop signs.
Background
The County conducted an intersection study in early 2022, which looked at traffic volumes during peak hours, crash history and other factors. The study looked at several different options to maintain safety at the intersection, including replacing the signal, a roundabout and a four-way stop. It found that a four-way stop would be safe and efficient for traffic now and for the next 20 years based on future traffic models.
The County planned to remove the traffic signal in early 2023 and change the intersection to stop signs. However, after a crash in December took out the signal poles, the change happened sooner than expected.
The County designed the four-way stop intersection based on the latest safety standards. The County is also adding several additional visibility enhancements to alert traffic of this change.
1) Pavement markings that read ‘stop ahead’
2) Wider stop bars
3) Red reflective panels on the sign posts
4) Removing additional vegetation to increase sight distance
Transportation is also keeping the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office informed about the intersection change.
