ERIE — Dave Hulstrom talked, and his government listened.
The Erie resident, who spearheaded a push this summer to have a four-way stop put in at the intersection of Weld County Road 5 and Leon Wurl Parkway, said he was amazed last week to see city workers installing just what he asked for, on the first day of school at the new Erie High.
And more than a week later, no major accidents have been reported near the school.
Hulstrom and others have said the intersection was dangerous for students driving or walking to school in the area.
Several times in the past few months, residents brought their concerns to town and school district leaders, requesting that speed limits be lowered and a four-way stop be installed at the intersection, saying both measures could prevent accidents.
“I am pleased with what they finally did,” Hulstrom said Thursday.
Erie High School principal Steve Payne said he is pleased the town took measures to protect students, and said the worries he’s heard about have all but ceased.
“I’m hearing nothing now, which is good,” he said. “Some parents came in a few days ago and said, ‘Gee, it’s really calm out there,’ and that’s just the response I want.”
Traffic was congested at the new four-way stop intersection for the first couple of days, Payne said, but drivers seemed to adapt to the changes on the roads quickly.
“It’s working great,” he said.
Erie Police Chief John Hall agreed.
In the past week, officers have made about a dozen traffic stops, he said, noting that most of the stops involved drivers who police believe weren’t used to the new, lower speed limits.
“And I think our presence out there has made a difference,” he said.
Erie Mayor Andrew Moore said he was glad the Town Board, while working within traffic-code stipulations, could put in the stop signs.
As the town grows, Moore said, he expects a stoplight will eventually replace the stop signs. He also praised town staff members for addressing the issue so quickly.
“Safety for our kids is No. 1, and I think we’ve achieved that for the time being,” he said.
Amanda Arthur can be reached at 303-684-5215, or by e-mail at aarthur@times-call.com.
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