At many low-traffic intersections, traffic lights can seem unnecessary and cause unnecessary delays. You’ve probably experienced it: sit there and sit there, while little or no traffic passes on the green light.
That is one reason urban planner Jeff Speck recommended to the City of Mobile that they remove 26 traffic lights and put in four-way stops instead.
There will be a transition period starting on Monday, August 11. It will take some getting used to for local drivers accustomed to the stop lights.
On Wednesday night, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson put out an explanation:
A key phase of the Downtown Street Optimization Plan will begin Monday, August 11, impacting traffic signals within the Henry Aaron Loop. Over the next six months, the city will remove 26 traffic signals at low-volume intersections and replace them with four-way stops. We’ll also be installing new ADA-compliant ramps and restriping crosswalks to improve pedestrian access. The goal is to enhance traffic flow, increase safety for pedestrians, and improve access to downtown businesses and attractions.
This project is being led by the City of Mobile and is based on a plan developed by the Downtown Mobile Alliance in collaboration with renowned urban planner Jeff Speck.
This signal work will roll out in stages to minimize disruptions to downtown businesses and events. However, one immediate change will begin Monday: All 26 signals scheduled for removal will start flashing red and will remain in that mode for 90 days. This transition period is required by federal law and gives drivers and pedestrians time to adjust to the new all-way stops while also allowing our engineers to monitor traffic behavior.
In addition to signal changes, the Street Optimization Plan also includes road resurfacing and the conversion of several one-way streets to two-way traffic. We appreciate Mobilians’ patience while we implement these changes to make Downtown Mobile more walkable, efficient, and safer for everyone.
While a bit of awkwardness and hesitancy can be expected in the early days of the changeover, the long run is expected to show smoother and quicker traffic flow.
RELATED: Traffic flow improves as 682 stop lights synchronized in Mobile area
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama -- her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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