From the City of Apopka and Staff Reports
In Summary:
Orange County Public Works is implementing a four-way stop at the intersection of Sheeler Avenue and Cleveland Street as part of ongoing efforts to improve roadway safety. The conversion replaces the current two-way stop, which traffic officials say can lead to confusion and higher crash rates, especially at intersections with multiple lanes. County leaders encourage motorists to exercise caution and familiarize themselves with right-of-way rules as the new configuration takes effect.
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Effective December 16, Orange County traffic engineers will convert the intersection of Sheeler Avenue and Cleveland Street from a two-way stop to a full all-way (4-way) stop — a change intended to enhance safety and streamline traffic operations. Drivers traveling through the area should expect new stop-sign control on all approaches beginning that morning.
Related: Walking to school shouldn’t be life-threatening: Maine parents show how small fixes can calm dangerous streets.
Why the change matters
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Reducing crash risk at intersections: Intersections are among the most common locations for traffic fatalities and serious injuries in the United States. The federal government considers them a priority for safety interventions.
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Lower travel speeds and more precise traffic flow: Research on stop-sign-controlled intersections has found that all-way stop control can significantly reduce vehicle approach speeds compared with uncontrolled or two-way stop intersections.
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Improved clarity of right-of-way: At a 4-way stop, every vehicle must stop before proceeding, and rules such as “first to arrive goes first” or “yield to the vehicle on your right when arriving simultaneously” help minimize confusion and reduce conflict points.
What Drivers Should Know
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Expect new stop signs and “ALL-WAY” placards to be installed on all four approaches at the Sheeler–Cleveland intersection by December 16.
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Upon arrival at the 4-way stop, come to a full stop and proceed in the correct order: first-arrived goes first; if vehicles arrive simultaneously, yield to the right; if in doubt, communicate with other drivers through turn signals or hand gestures to indicate your intent.
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Local officials hope this update will lower collision rates, especially of angle-type crashes common at two-way stop intersections, and make the intersection safer for all road users — including pedestrians and cyclists.
Context: Intersection Safety and Local Planning
Data and engineering studies show intersections like Sheeler Avenue and Cleveland Street, especially those without signal lights, account for a large share of vehicle-pedestrian conflicts and crashes in urban and suburban areas.
The 4-way stop is one of many cost-effective traffic-calming tools recommended by transportation safety experts when traffic volume is moderate, and sight lines or speed create hazards.
Residents and drivers in the area are encouraged to take note of the change and exercise extra caution. At the same time, the new pattern settles in — especially during early morning, evening commutes, or in poor weather when stopping and visibility are critical.
For more information or to report issues after the conversion, contact Orange County Public Works at (407) 836-7900.
Key Points:
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The traffic pattern change takes effect on December 16, 2025.
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The intersection’s two-way stop will be replaced with a four-way stop for improved safety.
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Four-way stops are proven to reduce vehicle speeds and minimize angle-type crashes.
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Drivers must now stop at all approaches and yield based on right-of-way rules.
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Orange County Public Works can be reached at (407) 836-7900 for questions or additional details.
