Traffic changes set for downtown
By By Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
More changes are coming to downtown Hartselle.
Shortly after the first of the year, the Alabama Department of Transportation will begin work to replace the traffic signals at the intersections of Main Street and Sparkman and Main Street and Hickory. The existing traffic signals are the oldest in the ALDOT nine-county North Alabama service region.
ALDOT is now taking advantage of the other work in downtown to start its project.
Each intersection currently has four signals. After the work, each will have eight signals.
The project is expected to take about a month.
Mayor Dwight Tankersley said the city is still negotiating for some type of left turn signal to be included in the project, something that’s hampered by the lack of a left turn lane. A signal that would let people turn left or go straight could be installed.
To accommodate the work, the old signals will be removed and both intersections will be four-way stops during the duration of the project. Officers will help direct cars at both intersections during heavy traffic times.
The existing canopies at the corners of each intersection will be removed to make room for the poles that will hold the traffic signals. The black poles will be decorative and match the other elements of the downtown renovation project. The city is paying the portion of the cost to cover the upgrade from galvanized steel poles to decorative ones.
The removed canopies won’t be replaced immediately, but will be redone when the city begins the second phase of the downtown renovation project. The drawing and engineering work for that project are complete, but the city is waiting on ALDOT’s approval to proceed.
