by Jonathan Weaver
New traffic signals implemented at the corners of Market and Water Streets in Kittanning have caused some confusion by motorists.
Construction crews work on traffic signals at the corner of Market Street and Water Street Thursday morning.
Friday, County Planning and Development Program Manager Sally Conklin urged motorists driving into or out of Kittanning Borough to use caution when they see a green light at one of the four traffic signals.
Traffic signals were changed Thursday evening as part of the Downtown Kittanning Revitalization Project, and are now on PennDOT specifications.
Kittanning Borough Police Chief Bruce Mathews has been fielding phone calls from residents about the traffic signals since Thursday evening. He said officers were not previously notified when the changeover would take place.
“It was brought to our attention (Thursday) night about 5:30PM,” Chief Mathews said. “They were here during the day making adjustments, hanging the new lights like they’ve done at every other intersection - (but) they were covered until it was time to be used.
This intersection didn’t happen like that – they put them up and put them in operation (that evening).”
Because of the immediate change, Chief Mathews contacted PennDOT and Planning Commission officials and the parties were to have placed message boards and signs on the light poles by the close of business Friday.
“The major difference with these intersection is going to be the turning lanes,” Chief Mathews said. “Previously, when (motorists) had a green light, we were good to go – we had the right-of-way. This time, (motorists at) all solid green lights have to yield in any turning lane.
“No matter which way you’re turning, all cross traffic will have to yield to oncoming vehicles.
“For that change to be instituted without any prior notice really isn’t the best practice. That posed a very serious hazard.”
As of Friday afternoon, however, no vehicle accidents were noted.