Traffic Lights Removed at Two Hutchinson Intersections

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson began removing traffic signals at two major intersections Tuesday as part of a traffic engineering initiative aimed at improving safety and reducing costs.

Crews started dismantling traffic lights at 4th Avenue and Washington Street, and Avenue A and Washington Street, according to a city announcement. Both intersections now feature stop signs on northbound and southbound lanes.

The removal follows a traffic engineering study conducted earlier this summer that determined the signals were no longer warranted based on current traffic volumes, safety considerations and national standards.

"Removing unwarranted signals helps improve safety, reduce costs, and maintain effective traffic control," city officials said in the announcement.

The engineering study analyzed traffic patterns and safety data at both locations before recommending the signal removal. The city has not disclosed specific traffic volume figures or accident statistics that led to the decision.

Traffic signals typically require regular maintenance and consume electricity, creating ongoing operational costs for municipalities. The removal is expected to eliminate these expenses while potentially improving traffic flow at the intersections.

Motorists should exercise caution when approaching both intersections as they adjust to the new traffic control configuration. The stop signs require vehicles traveling north and south on Washington Street to come to complete stops before proceeding through the intersections.

The City of Hutchinson has not announced plans to remove traffic signals at other locations.