Officials weigh need for traffic light at hospital

Published 5:00 am Friday, August 19, 2005

Traffic signals on Highway 51 at King’s Daughters Medical Centercould cost the city $45,000 to $75,000 or more, Mayor BobMassengill told aldermen Thursday.

The issue has been discussed with Mississippi Department ofTransportation officials, who have rejected the signals becausethey say the traffic count is “marginal” to warrant traffic lights.They have said the city could install lights at the city’sexpense.

Massengill said a contractor installing traffic signals onBrookway Boulevard this week provided several estimates for theHighway 51 situation.

Subscribe to our free email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

Finding and installing used signals, which would be suspendedfrom utility lines, would be around $45,000. New lights would raisethe cost to $65,000.

Placing the lights on poles would cost $75,000, the mayorsaid.

Ward Five Alderman D.W. Maxwell said he works in and travels thehighway frequently. He said the intersection does not warrant asignal.

“I just don’t think it’s needed,” Maxwell said. “Very seldom doI see any cars at that intersection (at Biglane Drive) when I goby.”

Ward Six Alderman Buddy Allen and Ward Three Alderwoman MaryWilson said they believed a traffic signal is needed. Allen saidolder motorists go Brookman Drive and to Highway 550 to avoid thebusy intersection at Highway 51.

Ward Four Alderwoman Shirley Estes said improved signage at thehospital would help northbound motorists be more aware of where toturn to go to KDMC. She said better signage is in the works for thehospital.

Aldermen took no action on a traffic signal.

In other business during a meeting that resumed following arecess Tuesday, aldermen unanimously accepted a new recommendationfrom Fire Chief Bob Watts to name Andre Spiller as fire inspector.The move will be effective Sept. 1.

Two officials walked out of a contentious closed-door meetingTuesday when board members were unable to reach a decision. Someofficials had concerns about the previous candidate Watts hadrecommended for the position.