City Testing Four-Way Stops at Downtown Traffic Signals

The City of Stillwater is currently conducting a trial with flashing red lights to simulate four-way stops at key downtown intersections, allowing the city to study both positive and negative impacts of this potential change.

City Manager Brady Moore announced the trial during the May 19 City Council meeting, explaining that the city is studying traffic patterns at the signals located at 7th, 8th, and 9th Avenues along Main Street.

"In the upcoming weeks we're planning to conduct a trial with flashing lights to simulate four-way stops at each of those intersections and then study that data, see the positive and negative impacts that it could have downtown," Moore said.

The trial comes in response to ongoing discussions about traffic signal timing in the downtown area, where the fixed timing can have drivers and pedestrians waiting at an almost empty intersection.

"Sometimes those traffic lights can cause delays when there's little to no crossing traffic. And when you get them all green, sometimes cars can fly through that corridor," Moore explained.

City officials emphasize that downtown Stillwater serves as both a pedestrian corridor and shopping district, making safety a top priority in any traffic management decisions.

"Our downtown is a pedestrian and shopping corridor, so the safety of our residents and visitors is always the highest priority," Moore said.

Traffic signals at the intersection of 7th, 8th, and 9th Avenues with Main Street have been temporarily converted to flashing red lights, indicating that the intersection is now operating as a four-way stop. Consequently, pedestrians no longer need to wait for the crossing signal, while drivers must yield the right-of-way. – Photo by Chris Peters taken on May 27, 2025.

Rules of the road: State law on four-way intersections

In Oklahoma, four-way stop intersections follow specific traffic laws outlined in Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes. When multiple vehicles approach a stop intersection simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right, according to Section 11-403.

Additionally, drivers must yield to any vehicle that has already entered the intersection or is approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard. Drivers are also required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when traffic-control signals are not in place or not in operation, as stipulated in Section 11-502.

For bicyclists, Oklahoma law provides specific provisions. Under Title 47, Section 11-202.1, a person operating a bicycle approaching a stop sign must slow down and, if required to avoid an immediate hazard, stop before entering the intersection. Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians in adjacent crosswalks and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. If there is no immediate hazard, bicyclists may cautiously proceed through the intersection without stopping.

A message from Visit Stillwater
While you’re in town for OSU Graduation, Special Olympics Oklahoma Summer Games, or one of the many events at the Payne County Expo Center, stop into one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants, and attractions in America’s Friendliest College Town!

View Events

Mayor applauds data-informed approach

The Transportation Project Advisory Committee (TPAC) has already discussed options for improvement at previous meetings, where they suggested studying traffic counts and data at each intersection to make informed decisions.

Data collection for the study is already underway. The city placed cables across the roads at each intersection to gather traffic information during two distinct periods – two weeks before college students left town and two weeks after their departure.

"We had them out collecting data two weeks prior to the college students leaving and two weeks after to kind of study that change in the data," Moore said.

This comprehensive approach allows city officials to understand how traffic patterns differ when Oklahoma State University is in full session versus when students are away, providing a more complete picture of downtown traffic dynamics.

After collecting and analyzing the data, city officials plan to report their findings to the City Council, which will help inform future decisions about traffic management in the downtown area.

"We'll report back to you the results of that data to the City Council," Moore said. "So excited for the results of that and for ways that we can improve just the pedestrian safety and visitor experience downtown."

Mayor Will Joyce expressed support for the data-driven approach, noting that he "always love[s] to see us collecting data and making data-driven decisions."

Members of Stillwater's Bicycle and Pedestrian Ad-hoc Committee and community advocates joined Mayor Joyce in proclaiming May as National Bike Month and Bicycle Safety Month in Stillwater at the City Council meeting May 19, 2025. From left: Mayor Will Joyce, Shelby Keller, Scott Nutt, Patricia Schaffner, Cynthia Gedra, Mary Cash, Kevin Mussett and Joseph Garza. – Photo by Chris Peters

The timing of the trial is particularly relevant as the city recently proclaimed May 2025 as National Bike Month and Bicycle Safety Month in Stillwater. Mayor Will Joyce's proclamation emphasized the importance of "educating both bicyclists and motorists on the safe and responsible operation of bicycles" as "essential to ensuring the safety and comfort of all road users."

This initiative reflects the city's ongoing commitment to enhancing the downtown experience for both pedestrians and motorists while addressing concerns about traffic flow efficiency.

The downtown area has seen increased development in recent years, with newer businesses like Stonecloud, Hatch, Empire Pizza and other establishments bringing more visitors to the area, making traffic management increasingly important.

City officials recognize that finding the right balance between traffic efficiency and pedestrian safety is crucial for maintaining a vibrant downtown district that serves both residents and visitors.

Related Reporting 👇