The studies will take place at Pleasant Street and Montgomery Avenue, Pleasant Street and Western Avenue, Sunset Avenue and Burnett Road and Selma Road and Kenwood Avenue.
But even the possibility of the traffic light at Sunset and Burnett being taken down puts Penny Cochenour’s nerves on edge.
She said if she sits out on her porch during peak traffic times, she estimated she sees about 600 cars — and sometimes they’re flying by.
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“I can just picture myself making a 9-1-1 call because there’s been an accident here,” she said. “Sunset is in between the south end and the east end. It’s very well-traveled, and I’m just really concerned about the children that play on this street.”
The city’s study started on May 28.
For 90 days, the signals in one direction will be flashing yellow and signals in the other direction will be flashing red with signs that read, “Signal under study for removal.”
The intersection will be treated as a two-way stop. During that 90-day period, the selected intersections will be evaluated for crashes.
Following the 90-day evaluation period, the signals will then be covered for an additional 60 days.
The city said if, during the 60-day period there aren’t any increases in traffic-related incidents, the signals will be removed.
Michael Grelewicz has his fair share of concerns about the potential removals, too.
“I guess my biggest question is why are the studies being done when the kids are out of school for summer break and the traffic patterns shift,” he said.
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Brandy Walker said she’s seen a lot of students that walk to school and have to cross over Selma Road to get to Kenwood Elementary and removing the traffic light would only put those kids in harm’s way.
“This is extremely dangerous if they decide to remove the light at that intersection,” she said. “Not only is it dangerous to the pedestrians, but the people that live on Kenwood closer to Selma Road will have a heck of a time getting out of their driveways with the constant oncoming traffic.”
But there are some drivers who are ready for the change, if it comes.
Dan Overholser said the light at Montgomery and Pleasant is unnecessary — and a stop sign would do the job just fine.
“I’m ready for these lights to come down,” he said. “It’s a waste of time sitting here waiting on them to change.”
The Springfield News-Sun reached out to the city for additional comment about peoples’ concerns, but did not hear back.
4 — Number of traffic signals being studied for removal
90 — Days selected traffic signals will be flashing
60 — Days following 90-day evaluation period that signals will be covered
The Springfield News-Sun is committed to covering infrastructure changes and developments in the community. Most recently, the News-Sun has kept the community informed about the plan to transform Derr Road, one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares.
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