Magnolia Springs partners with ALDOT for red light installation

By Jessica Vaughn
Posted 8/4/20

MAGNOLIA SPRINGS - In an attempt to mitigate the growing traffic concerns in Magnolia Springs, town officials worked with ALDOT representatives to conduct a traffic count at the intersection of …

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Magnolia Springs partners with ALDOT for red light installation

Posted

MAGNOLIA SPRINGS - In an attempt to mitigate the growing traffic concerns in Magnolia Springs, town officials worked with ALDOT representatives to conduct a traffic count at the intersection of Highway 98 and Magnolia Springs Highway. The results justified the installation of a traffic light at the location.

“They counted more than 150 vehicles per hour going through that stop sign,” said councilmember Andrew Monaghan. “From 2 - 3 p.m. they counted over 290 vehicles going through that stop sign. At one point the man conducting the study watched a saw truck sit there for 11 minutes before they were able to turn left.”

The cost of the light will be split 50/50 between Magnolia Springs and ALDOT, and costs approximately $170,000 total. ALDOT will be doing the installation of the light, and has looked over the town’s comprehensive plan and will take it into consideration.

The light will have a turn signal going on the westbound Highway 98. There are no plans to include a right turn lane onto Magnolia Springs Highway. ALDOT representatives stated the light would be set on a 30-second delay, and would include sensors so the light won’t change if there are no vehicles on Magnolia Springs Highway.

“As far as a timeline for the light, it will go into ALDOT’s next fiscal year budget and our next fiscal year budget, so we have to look at all of our costs,” said Mayor Kim Koniar. “We’re going to have to watch all of our dollars to afford this, it’s going to be our big expenditure next year. The town’s share would be around $90,000, hopefully less. ALDOT said that estimate is on the high end.”

There will be an annual maintenance fee the town would pay, as well as periodic repairs and maintenance.

For more information on the town, check out www.townofmagnoliasprings.org.