New traffic signals activated at intersection of Waco, Route B

Columbia Public Works officials announced on Tuesday that the new traffic signals at the intersection of Waco and Route B went live during the morning.

The improvement project, which began Oct. 9 included new mast arm signals, raised islands, pedestrian crosswalks and restricted turning movements for the driveways closest to the intersection.

The estimated $380,000 cost was funded through the 2015 capital improvement sales tax.

MODOT will be adding permanent safety indicators on Route B to alert motorists of the new signals.

From 2011 through 2015, there were eight crashes at the intersection with seven injuries. Officials expect the intersection will attract increased traffic with the expansion of Kraft/Heinz and the future Aurora Dairy.