SPRINGFIELD — City officials are raising concerns about several busy intersections where crashes have knocked out traffic signals, leaving the sites temporarily controlled by four-way stop signs.
The destroyed traffic signals in recent months include the major intersection of Boston Road, Bay Street and Breckwood Boulevard. There have been at least two significant accidents reported to police since the controller was wrecked in a two-car accident last Thursday, officials said.
Ward 5 Councilor Marcus Williams said he is urging the city to post officers at the intersection, “especially since the dysfunctionality of these controllers is impacting public safety and creating a dangerous situation.”
A new signal control box is scheduled to be installed Thursday, and could be operating by the end of the day, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said.
Department of Pubic Works Director Christopher Cignoli said that depending on the location, officers are being assigned for traffic control during peak times in the morning and afternoon.
Another recent example of a damaged traffic controller is at the nearby intersection of Bay and Berkshire Avenue; and also at the intersections of Plumtree and Bradley Road and at State and Spring streets, Cignoli said.
"Depending upon the severity of the damage and complexity of the signal programming, a complete replacement usually takes four to six days," Cignoli said. "At each of those locations, advance warning signs are placed and temporary stop signs are installed for the drivers."
With school vacation week, traffic is less busy at Bay, Boston and Breckwood, leaving it controlled by the stop signs, Cignoli said. Last Friday, with school in session and very busy traffic, officers were on duty through the day, he said.
Williams, whose ward includes the Boston and Bay intersection, said he conferred with Cignoli and Police Commissioner John R. Barbieri about the public safety issues.
Sarno said the city has acted as quickly as possible and he hopes the Boston and Bay intersection will be resolved Thursday. He recommended the use of officers at peak times.
