By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
A driver lost control around 10:40 this morning, crashing his vehicle through the traffic cabinet – the big box that has computer controls for the traffic light – at Poe and North Main streets.
“We have no power to the lights,” Assistant Municipal Administrator Joe Fawcett said shortly after noon. So police are directing traffic at the intersection.
At that time, Fawcett said that because the traffic cabinet controls are so specialized, it could be weeks until it is replaced and the intersection is back to its normal routine.
However, later in the afternoon a replacement traffic cabinet was located. And this evening, the Electric Division and Public Works Division continue to work on connecting the replacement traffic cabinet.
Once the cabinet is installed, the traffic lights should operate as normal. However, the temporary traffic pattern will remain in place through today and into Wednesday. A definitive duration is unknown at this time, Fawcett said.
Until the lights are working properly, traffic cones and electronic message board are being set up to restrict lanes of travel, Fawcett said.
The intersection is being treated as a four-way stop.
Eastbound and westbound traffic on Poe Road will be limited to one lane. Northbound Main Street will also be restricted to one lane. Southbound Main Street will have two lanes open – one for right turns and one for straight traffic.
No left turns will be permitted until the lights are functioning again.
The city does not have any spare traffic light cabinets because they cost about $100,000. “A backup would be a very expensive luxury,” he said.
Even if the city could locate a spare cabinet, Fawcett said it may be programmed with sequences different than the one previously at the Poe-North Main intersection.
“So, it may be a four-way stop for awhile,” Fawcett said around noon.
The city is asking that motorists use other routes if possible. “If people can avoid that intersection that would be helpful,” Fawcett said.
