Motorists planning to travel in Crittenden County need to be aware that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to convert the intersection of US 60 and US 641 in Marion from a traffic signal to an all-way stop on Thursday.
District 1 spokesman Keith Todd says that the conversion of the signalized intersection to an all-way stop is being expedited due to the deterioration of a signal support pole at the northeast corner of the intersection of Gum and South Main streets in Marion.
As part of a traffic flow study at the intersection, Todd noted the intersection functioned effectively without a signal, reducing delays caused by vehicles making left turns—even during periods of heavy bus and passenger vehicle traffic when nearby schools dismissed for the day.
District 1 Engineer Kyle Poat said they are confident that the intersection will function as an all-way stop. He also mentioned that this change would save taxpayers the $80,000 or more it would cost to construct a new signal system at this location.
On Thursday, traffic signals and equipment will be removed, and all-way stop signs will be placed at each leg of the intersection. The transition to an all-way stop is expected to begin around 8 a.m. CDT and will take several hours to complete. Motorists should be alert for flaggers controlling traffic during the transition as a KYTC signal crew removes the existing signal and installs the appropriate signage.
According to Todd, approximately 8,200 vehicles travel through the intersection in an average day.
The intersection is about a mile east of a U.S. 60 work zone for construction of a new turn lane for the Crittenden County Middle and High School Complex and the Crittenden County Hospital. That project to enhance traffic flow and school access is expected to be completed around August 10, in time for school to start this fall.
