POULSBO — Several new all-way stops will be activated throughout Poulsbo’s downtown at the start of next month.

The stop signs come as the result of the city’s Traffic Demand Management Study, which called for a decrease in cut-through traffic and an upswing in pedestrian safety in Little Norway’s historic corridor. The all-way stops have been championed by some business owners and citizens and criticized by others.

The all-way stops will take effect March 2 at: Front and Sunset streets, Hostmark Street and Fourth Avenue/Fjord Street, Iverson Street and Third Avenue, Iverson and Seventh Avenue, Fourth Avenue and Torval Canyon, Fourth and Viewmont Place, Jensen Way and Union Street, and Jensen and Ash Crest Loop.

New striping has already been placed at several of these locations in preparation; motorists are advised by the city to be aware of the new traffic controls.

Poulsbo Police Deputy Chief Shawn Delaney said patrol officers will work to educate drivers on a case-by-base basis about the road rule changes.

“If somebody fails to stop for the stop sign, depending on the situation, we’ll stop them, make contact with them and educate them, because it will take folks getting used to the new signs being in place,” he said.

As drivers become aware of the new downtown traffic pulse, Delaney also encouraged caution.

“Folks need to be aware as they cross an intersection with new stop signs, whether they’re crossing as a pedestrian or in a vehicle, that other folks coming perpendicular to them may not be aware of the new stop signs, so they’ve got to really be cautious,” he said.

To learn more about the Traffic Demand Management Study and Poulsbo’s new traffic measures, visit www.cityofpoulsbo.com.