Work begins on Aiken traffic lights

AIKEN --- Work is now in motion for some major traffic light improvements in downtown Aiken.

Aiken Department of Public Safety Chief Pete Frommer said that contractor Roebuck Signal Construction Co., of Lexington, was recently hired to do the installation. He said digging has already begun.

"So it's starting to move now," he said.

The plan is to install new lights that would be programmed to stay green longer during peak travel times along several major downtown thoroughfares, including Richland and Park avenues and Laurens Street. The signals would change more quickly at night. The lights also will have cameras for traffic counts and will sense when motorists are stopped at a red light.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation has approved funding and recently completed traffic studies. Chief Frommer wasn't sure of the amount, but he has said the system would cover about 36 traffic signals.

The chief said officials recently walked through downtown Aiken examining where new poles and underground wiring would go at intersections. He said the work should only cause some intermittent delays.

Chief Frommer said the installation work should last until the end of November or early December, but the system won't be activated until January.

"We don't want to interfere with traffic during the Christmas season," he said.

The new system also should help motorists who might have a hard time adjusting to the many one-way streets in downtown Aiken.

"With this system will be more arrows and additional signage, so it takes the guesswork out of 'Can I go or not go?' " Chief Frommer said.

Reach Preston Sparks at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.