WARREN 27 lights to go, in phases

The traffic lights to be removed didn't meet state requirements.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The 27 traffic lights set for eventual removal as part of a citywide signal project will come down in phases, beginning next year.
The $3.6 million project, most of which is being paid for with federal funds, involves reconstructing 18 traffic signals, installing three new signals, modifying 37, removing 27 and installing a citywide fiber-optic loop to coordinate them.
The project, planned to update and synchronize the city's signals and improve traffic flow, has been in the works for several years.
The lights that are to come out don't meet the Ohio Department of Transportation's criteria, which include vehicle volume, school crossings, number of accidents, progressive movement and minimum pedestrian volume.
For example, at least 150 vehicles per hour are required on a minor street and 500 vehicles per hour on a one-lane road.
Some of those lights designated for removal have been switched to flashing with signs indicating the light is set for removal.
"They're doing a few at a time," said William Totten, director of the city's engineering, planning and building department.
Where it started
Those heading away from the central business district were chosen first.
"Those have less [traffic] counts than any other," Totten said.
He estimated that seven or eight lights have been converted to flashing to inform motorists they're slated for removal.
"Nothing is coming down until January," Totten said, adding that the removal will be done in stages.
Stop signs will be erected on the minor streets of those intersections where lights will come down.
The city directed its consultant to challenge all the lights the state said didn't meet the standards. They used issues like sight distance and the proximity of schools, and some of the lights initially set for removal are staying put, but 27 didn't pass the challenges.
Because the project is being administered by the state and involves federal money, the city can't change it.
If the city doesn't remove the lights that don't meet the requirements, it would likely lose federal money for the project.
When the light removal aspect of the project was announced last year, it generated some complaints from residents.
Opposition
About 300 residents of a Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority senior citizen high-rise signed a petition last month to the city's traffic commission opposing the removal of the light at Buckeye Street and Tod Avenue N.W. near the high-rise.
But there haven't been many other recent complaints about the plans.
"It's just a matter of everyone getting used to the change," Totten said.
Councilman Alford L. Novak, D-2nd, chairman of council's traffic and safety committee, said some residents are concerned about removal of the signals along North Park Avenue. Both the light at Griswald Street and the one at Idylwild Street are set for removal.
"There will be zero traffic control devices [on North Park] after basically Dana Street," Novak said. "There will be no traffic signals after Dana Street all the way out to the city limits."
denise.dick@vindy.com