DOT working on Aiken traffic lights

AIKEN - South Carolina Department of Transportation will be making changes to lights in downtown Aiken today to help ease the commute for motorists.

The department recently changed traffic signals in downtown Aiken to improve safety after a study revealed an increase in accidents in the area, according to a news release. Due to the study, DOT decided to change the timing of the lights downtown and change the policy of allowing left-turn motorists to yield on a red light.

However, just two weeks after the adjustments state Sen. Greg Ryberg and state Rep. Tom Young expressed concern over the changes to the signal system.

The department has responded by adjusting the timing of the lights on Park and Richland streets to allow east and west traffic to run simultaneously. The side street operation will have the new safety features that allow left turn motorists to continue through the intersection without stopping in the median.

The changes should be complete by the end of the business day.

Aiken Department of Public Safety is assisting with traffic flow this afternoon while DOT workers adjust the lights, said Capt. Wendell Hall.