Construction crews in Santa Maria are working on adding stop signs at the intersection of Union Valley Parkway and California Boulevard Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Department of Public Works says they're turning this intersection into a four-way stop.
Drivers heading down Union Valley Parkway will be detoured at the intersections of Union Valley Parkway with Blosser Road and Foxenwood Lane.
Currently, there are stop signs at the intersection for traffic traveling on California Blvd. However, traffic on Union Valley Parkway does not stop.
According to a city report, Public Works staff found that between Feb. 4, 2017, and Jan. 18, 2018, there were five broadside collisions at the intersection. That number of crashes in just one year fits the criteria for an all-way stop, according to rules set by the state.
The city estimates it will cost about $3,000 to install the necessary pavement markings and signs on Union Valley Parkway to establish the new 4-way stop.
City staff recommends that drivers obey all temporary construction signs and lane closures. They say drivers should slow down and use alternative routes whenever possible to avoid delays and minimize inconveniences.
