Traffic signal proposed for busy intersection

A tricky Decatur intersection could soon have the added safety of a traffic signal.

The Decatur Engineering and Public works Department is conducting a traffic study on Central Parkway Southwest, one of the city's busiest thoroughfares. According to Engineering Department Director Mark Petersohn, the study is in preparation for a proposed traffic signal at Central Parkway and Eighth Street Southwest.

Eighth Street, which runs from Beltline Road to Central Parkway, provides another of the city's important alternative travel routes.

"The first process of (traffic light) installation is looking at traffic warrants," Petersohn said. "That's what we're doing right now."

Petersohn said the busy intersection is also the site where Decatur's new bike trail will cross Central Parkway on its way to the Decatur Aquadome, making a traffic signal at the site even more important.

The city will apply for state grant money to help pay for the traffic signal. Petersohn said the traffic study is needed before the city can apply for that money.

He also said the signal could be in place as early as January.

Evan Belanger

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