Signal will be removed from intersection

Not enough traffic to justify signal at Belmont and Hillside.

The traffic signal at the intersection of Belmont and Hillside avenues will be removed in May after a citywide analysis showed it should no longer be in operation.

The city of Springfield began the process Tuesday morning, changing the signal to a flashing red light. The city also installed signs indicating the removal of the signal May 18. The signal will flash until Feb. 24 and will be covered until it’s removed. There were also new stop signs installed on Hillside Avenue at the intersection.

A citywide traffic signal analysis was conducted in 2010 and showed the intersection did not meet or warrant the criteria to justify a signal, according to the Ohio Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

The manual has eight criteria for traffic signals to be placed at an intersection. The Belmont and Hillside intersection didn’t meet the first three criteria, which include vehicle and peak-hour volume, said Juli Springer, Springfield Engineering Project Manager.

“The numbers were way under what the criteria are,” Springer said.

The engineering office also worked with property owners on the northwest corner of the intersection to allow for better site distance clearance, Springer said.

With the influx of traffic during peak times, removing the signal could make it more difficult for people on Hillside, said Nancy Van Dyke, the church secretary at Hillside Avenue Church of God, 2021 Hillside Ave.

“It just seems like there is a nice flow of traffic there,” Van Dyke said.

The church is located on the corner of Hillside and Belmont Avenue. It will have a much bigger impact during the week than it will on Sunday mornings, she said.

“I’m sure I’ll get used to it after awhile,” Van Dyke said.

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