Houston approves traffic signal at school

WARNER ROBINS -- Later this year, the traffic flow should improve in front of Matthew Arthur Elementary School.

The Houston County Commission this week approved a contract to install a traffic signal at the intersection of Ga. 127 and Moody Road. The intersection is next to the school.

Robbie Dunbar, the county's operations director, said Wednesday that the signal might be in operation by the end of the current school year, but it could take longer. It is expected to help with traffic issues at the school.

"It's very congested there in the mornings," Dunbar said. "I think this will help a lot."

The school is in the city of Perry, and the city provides a police officer to direct traffic during peak hours.

The light is being paid for with money from the 2006 special purpose local option sales tax. The Georgia Department of Transportation did a traffic study and determined that the light was warranted.

The contract to install the light went to Wilburn Engineering of Newnan, which had the lowest bid of $193,697.

Because there are several power lines at the intersection, the signal will have an overhang-arm style, Dunbar said. The equipment will have to be ordered, which will take about three months.

The signal originally was supposed to be installed when Moody Road was widened, but the state at that time said it was not warranted.

Due to growth in Perry, Dunbar said, the county requested another study. That one showed the traffic light was needed.

The light will include a remote control. During peak hours, police will be able to change the light by observing traffic.

Dunbar said it will be up to the state whether the light will revert to a caution light when school is not in session.

To contact writer Wayne Crenshaw, call 256-9725.

This story was originally published January 20, 2016 at 5:31 PM with the headline "Houston approves traffic signal at school ."