A new four-way stop will be installed at the intersection of 78th Avenue S.E. and S.E. 34th Street in mid-September. The intersection, located at the south edge of the Town Center, is the last four-way intersection on 78th Avenue in the Town Center currently not all-way stop-controlled.

Residents of the area have been concerned about pedestrian safety when crossing the street and the increase in traffic volume at the intersection due to the proximity of the traffic from the Mercer Island Thrift Shop and Mercerdale Park.

The installation of the new four-way stop supports the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan by creating a protected pedestrian crossing at the intersection and improving pedestrian circulation between the upper and lower Mercerdale neighborhoods.

Sight distance for the east leg of the intersection is currently restricted due to the existing rocks on the southeast corner of the intersection. The limited sight distance makes it difficult for motorists to see approaching northbound vehicles and for northbound motorists to see pedestrians standing on the east corner waiting to cross the street.

The cost to install the four-way stop is estimated to be $2,000, while the estimated cost of removing the rocks to improve the sight distance is upwards of $50,000.