(KNSI) — The stoplight at 8th Avenue and West St. Germain Street downtown St. Cloud was removed overnight Thursday.
In September, the City of St. Cloud asked for public input regarding the stoplight’s removal.
Blake Redfield, Traffic Systems Manager for the city, says several factors played into the idea for another signal removal survey at 8th Avenue South and West St. Germain Street, including removing several other signals on what are considered minor roadways. He said the city did another survey to see if it was time for the signal to come out now, “Just because of reduced traffic volumes, reduced pedestrian volumes. Just a number of factors. The signal itself is getting old. We would have to spend some significant money on it over the next couple of years if we were to keep it there.”
A previous survey in 2012 that included a town hall, counting pedestrians, and counting cars, showed people found it necessary to keep the stoplight in place.
In October, the City Council voted to have the light removed. According to the city, the majority of the comments supported removing the traffic signal. The cost to remove the traffic light was estimated at $15,000, but it was less than it would cost for upgrades and improvements.
The removal of the traffic signal will result in additional on-street parking spaces.
___
Copyright 2021 Leighton Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!