STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Glasgow drivers could soon see a familiar traffic signal replaced by stop signs at the North Race and West Front streets intersection.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3 Chief Engineer Joe Plunk told the Glasgow City Council that the traffic light at that intersection may not be needed after all.
In this Google maps screen shot, the intersection of North Race Street and West Front Street is pictured.
“Just like with anything infrastructure wise, everything needs to be replaced…and that signal is old…and needs to be replaced,” Plunk said. “We’ve done some investigating to see if we even need that signal. We’ve done some traffic counts and crash analysis and determined that in fact we do not need a signal there any longer, so…we’ve made a request with our central office – they ultimately will approve if that’s going to happen – [to] remove the signal.”
Instead, Plunk said the intersection could be converted to an all-way stop. That would mean stop signs in all directions instead of a light controlling traffic. The change would be aimed at maintaining safety and traffic flow without reinstalling a signal that state officials believe might not be required.
Plunk told council members that any change would not happen overnight. Before the signal is removed, he said it would be put on flash mode to alert drivers that the traffic pattern is changing. Signs would also be posted in advance to warn drivers about the upcoming shift to an all-way stop.
Councilmember Joe Trigg questioned whether taking out the light could lead to more wrecks at the intersection, given the hill that increases a person’s speed. In response, Plunk stressed that the decision has not been finalized and that the state is still weighing the potential impact.
“We monitor these situations,” Plunk said. “Maybe after a couple of months of the signal being on flash we decide we can’t pursue taking that down.”
The discussion signals that drivers who regularly use the intersection of North Race and West Front streets may eventually encounter a different traffic setup, but for now the light remains in place while officials continue their review.
Key Facts
• Kentucky transportation engineer says North Race and West Front light may not need replacement
• Traffic impact studies and crash analysis suggest an all-way stop could work at the intersection
• Signal would first be placed on flash with warning signs before any change
• Officials emphasize the switch to an all-way stop is not yet definite
• Councilmember Joe Trigg raised concerns about potential increases in wrecks
Michael Crimmins with Glasgow News 1 contributed to this reporting.
