SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The constant stopping and starting on N. Norton Ave. could come to an end as changes to intersections have been proposed.
Sylacauga Police Chief Kelley Johnson said multiple traffic lights are in need of repair on Norton which will cost the city upwards of $70,000 per intersection.
The city has a few options according to Johnson. Those options are 1) spend the money to replace the lights, 2) spend the money to buy two set of lights and use parts from the old lights to fix another set, or 3) totally do away with the lights and create two way stops.
The lights in question are at 1st St., 2nd St. and 3rd St.
The ideal solution, in Johnson’s opinion, is to do away with the lights on 1st and 2nd streets and use parts from lights to repair the lights at 3rd St. This option would change the light at 3rd and Norton from a timing system to a loop system meaning the light would only change from green to red on Norton when cars are waiting at 3rd St. The intersections at 1st St. and 2nd. St. would become two way stops, allowing for free flowing traffic on Norton for two blocks from Walgreens to the Sylacauga Fire Dept.
Johnson said he does not believe opening up the two intersections will cause any danger or enable speeding due to it only being two blocks.
Johnson advised the city council to make a decision on the matter before the roads are paved and striped.
City Councilman Ashton Fowler said he is for anything that will enable efficiency and improvement at a cheaper price.
No decision has been made regarding the intersections at this time.
