Battlefield Parkway and Plaza Street Could Get New Traffic Light

The Town Council met with Transportation Engineer Calvin Grow on Monday, May 21 to discuss the possible installation of a signal light at the intersection of Battlefield Parkway and Plaza Street.

In April, the Department of Public Works performed a study regarding traffic signal warrants on Battlefield Parkway at Catoctin Circle and Plaza Street. Traffic counts were made at both intersections, Grow said, which revealed that traffic volumes are two times higher on Plaza Street when compared to Catoctin.

The increase could be in relation to the addition of Tuscarora High School, Grow said, which opened in the 2010-2011 school year. However, Councilman Tom Dunn said he disagrees.

“I travel that road all the time and I just don’t see it,” Dunn said. “I don’t think this is really a need. I’d say wait.”

Councilman Dave Butler said his biggest concern is having to sit at a traffic light when there isn’t any traffic.

“When I’ve been on Battlefield there hasn’t been a car in sight,” Butler said. “If there’s no traffic coming you’ll have to wait. I don’t want that.”

Councilwoman Katie Hammler said she travels the road on a daily basis and has noticed a substantial change in traffic patterns within the last year. She recommended hearing from local citizens who have to deal with the traffic everyday.

The Town Council will revisit the issue, along with funding options, during their August 28 meeting. The proposed traffic signal is listed in the adopted FY 2012-2017 Capital Improvements Program and if approved, the project would cost $350,000.  Grow said design and construction could take 13 to 15 months.