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New signal set to go online

October 26, 2006|Mike Moore

Beginning next week drivers on Nicholasville's North Main Street will be seeing more red as the new traffic light at Lake and High streets will become active.

The traffic signal is the result of the request by the city of Nicholasville to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

"Sherman Peel (of the Jessamine County Maintenance Garage) was in my office last week, and he said it would probably be on some time next week," said Gary Goldey, city public works superintendent. "He didn't give a specific day."

Goldey added that before the light becomes active, two electronic signs at either end of the signal would be in place letting drivers know the exact date the it becomes operational.

In August, Mayor John Martin told The Jessamine Journal the city has been pushing for a signal in the area for several years.

"People are having a hard time getting out (of the utilities building) when they pay their utility bill," he said.

Since Lake and High streets are not directly across from one another, the transportation cabinet had to come up with an off-set signal design.

Unlike the signals up and down North and South Main Street, the new signal will allow for a turning lane.

Acting on the city's request, the transportation cabinet spokesperson David Thacker said an area must first meet certain criteria.

In August, Thacker said the area between High and Lake streets satisfied several of the criteria, including peak hour traffic, four-hour traffic volume and interruption of service warrants.

Nicholasville Police Chief Barry Waldrop believes the new light will solve many traffic problems in the area.

"If you've ever tried to come off Lake Street, the utilities building or High Street, it's hard to get our because of the traffic," he said in August.

He added many accidents occur because drivers become impatient, and make foolish decisions.

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