Incorrect signal timing causes delays on Hwy. 54, DOT says problem will be addressed

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Road construction contractors work on a section of Ga. Highway 54 in May. Photo/Ben Nelms.
Road construction contractors work on a section of Ga. Highway 54 in May. Photo/Ben Nelms.

Work to pave Ga. Highway 54 through Fayette County is experiencing delays due to the weather, but the biggest delays are due to the incorrect timing of traffic signals after the initial paving work was done. The Ga. Department of Transportation (DOT) is aware of the problem and will be addressing it. Along with that, paving crews are expected to work through the night in downtown Fayetteville on June 1-4.

Traffic back-ups are occurring along Hwy. 54 due to the incorrect timing of traffic signals at cross streets. The timing of signals after initial paving was completed has led to extremely long waits along Hwy. 54  due to the green lights on cross streets illuminating far longer than the norm.

Fayette County staff were told that DOT is aware of the problem and is developing a list of signals to give to Traffic Operations to adjust the timing. There is no schedule provided and this will serve as a temporary solution during the resurfacing work.

As for the main work occurring throughout the span of Hwy. 54, a delay in the resurfacing work along the highway comes courtesy of an increase in rainfall from the recent tropical storm that passed through the area.

DOT said that, weather permitting, the contractor plans to work in downtown Fayetteville June 1-4.  Work will begin on Friday night around 7 p.m. and continue until 6 a.m. on Monday morning. There will be continuous lane closures for this, so residents should expect delays.

Additionally, DOT said the contractors are currently working on the outside turning lanes going back westbound toward Ga. Highway 74.  Once they finish westbound, they will turn around and do the outside turn lanes heading back eastbound.