Neal Street Traffic Signal Installation Nearly Complete

A new traffic light will soon be operational at the intersection of Neal Street and Perimeter Park Drive in Cookeville.

Public Works Director Greg Brown said crews have nearly finished installing the signal.

“We are installing the traffic detector loops in the pavement. Once we get that done we’ll get everything connected and put some warning signs up,” Brown said. “The signal is supposed to be on flash for at least seven days. This Thursday will be seven days, so Friday or possibly the first of next week we will turn the signal on and it will be operational at that time.”

The Cookeville City Council approved the project about a year ago after receiving a number of requests for the light. Brown said the new signal should help reduce traffic volumes around Neal Street, Perimeter Park Drive, and Salem Church Road.

“There have been a few accidents there. However, the accident level didn’t quite meet the warrants for a signal, but the volume of traffic did,” Brown said. “That’s what prompted us to install the signal there.”

The project got behind schedule earlier this year after the city experienced problems with getting some of the equipment shipped. Brown urged drivers to use caution while driving through the area and to be aware that the light will be active within days.