The intersection of West Ball Street at South Waller Street has been reconfigured to be a four way stop intersection. Previously, the intersection had only posted stop signs for north and southbound traffic on Waller Street. With the addition of the new signs, east and westbound traffic on Ball Street must now stop at the intersection.
In addition to the stop signs, several other changes were made to enhance the safety of the intersection that motorists should be aware of. The dotted yellow line that previously ran east and west along West Ball Street has been changed to solid double yellow lines, which indicate no passing.
The double yellow lines extend approximately 50 feet from the white stop bars when traveling either east or west on Ball Street.
Another feature of the intersection is the inclusion of the word “STOP” in large, white, capital letters on the roadway just prior to a vehicle reaching the new white stop bars for east and west bound traffic. There are also two new yellow “Stop Sign Ahead” signs which are posted on the shoulder, approximately 250 feet east and west from the intersection on Ball Street. Each sign consists of a red octagon and a black arrow pointing forward, or ahead.
Additionally, the sign posts themselves are covered with reflective material to aid visibility, especially at night. The stop signs have red reflective material, while the warning signs have yellow reflective material.
Lastly, a new pedestrian crosswalk has been added. It will serve pedestrians crossing West Ball Street from the sidewalks located on the east side of Waller Street. Pedestrians may also use the existing crosswalk, located on the north side of the intersection to cross Waller Street.
The Plant City Police Department’s Traffic Management Unit began monitoring the intersection Monday, March 30, upon its completion. The initial focus will be for educational purposes. Officers will monitor the intersection and issue warnings for stop violations, as people become familiar with the new configuration. At a later date, the focus will switch from education to enforcement.