Snapshot: Traffic Signals Going Dark on Detroit Avenue

Traffic signals at a few Detroit Avenue intersections are coming down.

Right now, the signals at the Hall, Mars and Manor Park intersections at Detroit Avenues are flashing.

But, as part of the city’s traffic signalization project, all three will be permanently removed on Feb. 15.

Some residents have called city hall to complain.

Mayor Michael Summers said a comprehensive study was completed nearly two years ago.

And, , city council OK’d a plan to replace — and synchronize — all the traffic signals on Detroit Avenue.

“Safely moving traffic through a city is a bit of a science,” Summers said, referring to the traffic study. He pointed out several factors that went into the decision, including speeds, wait times, traffic backups, congestions and idling.

New traffic lights will be installed during the next few months — but not at the three currently flashing signals.

Part of the reason for the flashing lights, Summers said, is “to soften” the change.

“Some people say ‘it takes me forever to turn left,’ when it’s really 30 seconds,” he said. “What’s forever?”

According to the Sun Post-Herald, US Rep. Dennis Kucinich, who has an office around the corner from the Manor Park traffic signal, sent a letter to Gov. John Kasich calling for another traffic study.

Meanwhile, work has already begun on the project.

Contractors from two companies split the project, each taking about 10 signals on Detroit Avenue.

will shoulder about 20 percent of the nearly $500,000 cost, and other agencies including the Federal Highway Administration and the Ohio Department of Transportation will pay the rest.

Work is expected to last through 2012.