News Notes: Columbus Traffic Signals, Island Road, City Hall Work

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) —  Columbus drivers will have two less stop lights to deal with.

The city council has authorized removing the signals at the intersections of 7th Street and 3rd Avenue North in downtown at the First Baptist Church and Columbus-Lowndes Library and at South McCrary and Airline roads near Trinity Nursing Home in East Columbus.

The East Columbus light already was down because of a prior traffic accident. Residents of the area say it hasn’t been needed for years since United Technologies closed its plant in the area.

They will be replaced by all-way stop signs.

Not having to upgrade the traffic signals will save Columbus Light and Water about 40 thousand dollars. The city will save almost 10 thousand dollars in annual electricity costs. The utility and city leaders are analyzing traffic signals around the city for removal or upgrades.

ISLAND ROAD MAY GET PAVED

A $500,000 road project could one day help lure more businesses to the Lowndes County Port in Columbus.

The Port Authority plans to repave almost two miles of the Port Access Road on the Island to enhance safety and access to port facilities. It’s part of a larger long-term plan to try to open up additional sites for new industries.

The Columbus city council has approved up to $12,500 in matching funds and Lowndes County will be asked to do the same.

State and federal transportation money will make up the remaining $475,000. The work could be completed by this summer.

COMPANY AWARDED CITY HALL CONTRACT

Work should begin next month on a major exterior renovation of the 105-year-old Columbus city hall.

The City Council awarded a $415,000 contract to Burks Mordecai Builders to replace the old aluminum windows with historic replicas, clean the granite and paint the building

The work will be paid for by $575,000 state and local funds. The left over money will go toward other renovations. City leaders hope to one day fully restore the historic building.