GDOT Preps Lavonia Intersection For Updated Traffic Signals

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

If you have driven through Lavonia over the past few days, you may have noticed some work going on at the intersection of SR17 and 59 – the only intersection with a traffic light in the heart of town.

Crews with the Georgia Department of Transportation have been doing the preliminary electrical work in preparation for a new digital traffic signal.

The intersection is extremely busy with 18-wheelers, cars and trucks making their way to I-85 or down SR59 to the hospital and points beyond.

GDOT spokesperson Teri Pope said there’s still some work above ground that has to be done.

“The underground conduit is in and the support masts for the signals are in,” Pope said. “So what we have left to finish is the above ground electrical, the new crosswalk lanes have to be put in, and the Pedestrian signal heads need to go in so if you need it to cross, you can push the button and the little man will signal when it’s safe to cross. We also have to pour the new concrete islands.”

The new signal lights will be digital LED display lights, which will be easier for people to see during the day.

Pope said even though the work will be going on during the day, traffic should not be affected at that intersection.

“There are no lane closures planned. As we switch over and hang the new signal heads, one lane will be stopped for a few minutes while the guys are up in the cherry picker,” she said. “On the big day when we turn the new signals on and turn the old signals off, we’ll have law enforcement stop all four lanes of the intersection for five to ten minutes.”

Pope said the new traffic lights should be up and running by the end of February.