New signal to improve traffic flow in west Columbia

New traffic signals at Fairview Road and Ash Street in Columbia became operational Wednesday.

Crews need to install one more sensor loop at the intersection and hope to finish that on Thursday, weather permitting.

Traffic lights will stay flashing red and the intersection will continue as a four-way stop until the sensor is in place.

Traffic engineers will monitor the timing and traffic patterns over the next couple of weeks toprovide timing adjustments as needed.

Pedestrian signals and new left turn lanes have also been added for both Ash St. and Fairview Rd.

Money for the project came from Traffic Safety and Annual Streets funding. The project budget was $135,000 and the project was completed on time.

A traffic signal at this intersection was warranted to reduce crash incidents, improve traffic flow on West Ash, and enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Two public schools, Paxton Keeley Elementary and Smithton Middle Schools are located nearby.