All four intersections around the downtown Fayette square will soon be four-way stops. The change comes after a decision made by the Fayette Board of Aldermen during its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 27.

Northwest Ward Alderwoman Michelle Ishmael, who works in an office that overlooks that intersection, implored the council to take up the matter during the BOA’s previous meeting on December 13. 

“We have a lot of elderly people who come into the bank, and come into the dental office…not a day goes by that we don’t almost witness an accident,” Ishmael said. “I just don’t want somebody to get hurt or killed.”

An ordinance was drafted and received 5-0 approval. 

Previously, only one of the four intersections – the southwest corner where Morrison and Church Streets intersect – was a four-way stop. The intersection which drew the concern is on the northeast corner, where traffic on East Davis Street did not stop when crossing North Main Street.

A concern regarding westbound traffic on Davis Street was considered since the intersection lies at the top of a steep hill.

Another intersection that draws concern is on the northwest corner. That intersection has for decades been a three-way stop, which confuses many visiting drivers. Northbound traffic on Church Street does not stop, although southbound traffic and east-west traffic on Davis Street does. This is largely in part to prevent traffic jams when long lines of vehicles are entering Fayette from the south, such as morning and evening commuters traveling from Columbia. Before this intersection can be changed to a four-way stop, the city must first petition the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), since Church Street also doubles as Missouri Highway 240.

The new ordinance is currently in effect, but will not be enforced until stop signs are put in place.