Four-way stop signs will replace lights at two Westport intersections

Kansas City’s Public Works Department will replace traffic signals at two intersections in the heart of Kansas City’s Westport entertainment district with four-way stop signs.

The change, which begins Friday, affects the traffic signals at Mill Street and Pennsylvania Avenue along Westport Road. The Public Works Department has been studying vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic at the intersection and determined that the traffic signals do not meet federal guidelines.

On Friday, the traffic signals will be set to flash red in all directions, and the city will monitor the impact of the changes. If the yearlong test runs smoothly, the traffic signals will be removed.

The city believes that the four-way stop signs will make the intersections more accessible and reduce the risk of crashes.

Crews also will remove two left turn lanes on Mill Street this weekend, improving the alignment of northbound and southbound lanes. Crews also will add 20 parking spaces on the east side of Mill Street.

This story was originally published October 26, 2016 at 12:15 PM with the headline "Four-way stop signs will replace lights at two Westport intersections."