Busy intersection gets help

In a few weeks, traffic should move more smoothly through a Grain Valley intersection where drivers were frustrated by long waits.

The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen gave final approval Monday night to a plan to install a left-turn signal, and underground street censors to trigger the signal, at Eagles Parkway and Sni-A-Bar Boulevard. The signal will allow northbound traffic on Sni-A-Bar to turn left, or westbound, onto Eagles Parkway without waiting through several signal cycles.

The cost of the project is about $12,850 and will be done by System Controls, Inc. The money for the project will come from the city’s public works budget.

The number of cars waiting to make a left-hand turn has grown to eight or more during peak traffic times, such as rush hour, said City Engineer Rick Arroyo. Several drivers have called Grain Valley City Hall to complain about the long wait, he said. The issue was referred to the city’s Transportation Committee for study, which, with information from the city engineer, determined the need for the signal.

Cars turning west are among several thousand northbound and southbound vehicles on Sni-A-Bar that pass through the intersection each day.

Arroyo said the work should be completed within the next month and is somewhat dependent on weather. The work can’t be done during rain or lightning, he said.

Public Works Director Jeff Fisher said the changes should alleviate back-ups at the intersection.

“Any movements through that intersection will go smoother now,” Fisher said.