A major headache for drivers at a major intersection in Paola might get a bit of relief soon. Long lines of traffic may come to an end at Hedge Lane and Baptiste as Paola City Council members agreed to hire a company to upgrade the traffic signals at the intersection. J. Warren Company will install the lights for a cost of just under $40,000.
Paola Public Work Director, Kirk Rees, says the new setup will allow for longer green arrows that will help vehicles heading south on Hedge Lane turn onto Baptiste drive. Right now, the light allows for just a few vehicles to get through, and if the first person does not immediately turn, it can create a backup, which can be a problem in the afternoon after schools are dismissed. The concern is that traffic will increase as development gets underway that will feature a Casey’s Convenience store and a Scooters Drive-thru and other retail businesses.
