McMinnville — City engineers presented a safety evaluation and staged improvement plan for the Old Sheridan Road/Cypress Lane intersection on Oct. 14, after a consultant review identified an upward crash trend and recurring pedestrian use during morning and evening peaks.

The consultant (David Evans & Associates, contracted by the city) compiled 2014–2023 crash records and on‑site observations. The firm found seven crashes in that time window concentrated after dark and identified failure to stop at the intersection and excessive speed as recurring contributing factors. The curve at the Cypress approach has a large curb radius that can encourage higher speeds, the report said.

Short‑term measures: Staff said they have already replaced an undersized stop sign with a standard, higher‑visibility 36‑inch sign and plan to add continental crosswalk striping on the east and south legs of the intersection. Staff also recommended coordinated foliage management where tree canopy or shadows limit visibility.

Medium‑term measures: The report recommends reducing curb radii to physically slow turning speeds, installing a rapid‑flashing beacon or an overhead diagonal flashing assembly to increase driver awareness, and coordinating with Yamhill County where county right‑of‑way is involved. Solar beacons were discussed; consultants said tree cover may limit solar options and that some hard‑wired solutions would require utility work.

Long term: The consultants said the future Transportation System Plan work and anticipated traffic growth could warrant a signalized intersection or a roundabout — a larger capital investment that would be considered as part of the city’s long‑range transportation planning.

Council questions: Several councilors asked about lighting, rumble strips and impacts on nearby residences. Staff said rumble strips have noise implications and were not recommended at this location; lighting and visibility concerns were discussed, particularly during dawn/dusk hours when sun and shadows can reduce visibility. The city will coordinate with the county on any measures in county right‑of‑way. Staff estimated the medium‑term rapid‑flash or overhead assembly would take design work and funding and said some short‑term items could be completed with existing maintenance crews pending weather.

Ending: City staff said they will schedule crosswalk striping as weather allows, continue coordination with the county about right‑of‑way and pursue funding and design work for medium‑ and long‑term improvements.