Troublesome Traffic Signal Removals Suspended
After much public outcry from citizens of the 3rd District, Councilman Jermaine Reed introduced and the City Council passed a resolution to suspend the removal process of traffic signals on October 18, 2012.
Resolution 120913 directs the City Manager to suspend the removal process of traffic signals, take certain actions with regards to traffic signals recently removed and present a change management process for its approval for implementing changes to traffic signals to the City Council within 60 days.
The City started a concentrated effort to eliminate approximately 144 traffic signals and replace them with other traffic control devices without getting any input from neighbors living in the area around the traffic lights.
After 37 of the old electro-mechanical traffic signals were deactivated, phone calls and emails poured into the Councilman’s office requesting the abandonment of the changes.
“There has been a public outcry from citizens all throughout the Kansas City area,” Reed said. “Citizens were displeased with the way the process took place.”
At the October 8, 2012, 3rd District Monthly Meeting more than 70 residents showed up to voice their disgust with the project.
“People are running the stop signs. They are texting and on the phone. Our children’s lives are in danger,” said Lillian Anderson, a crossing guard at one of the intersections where the traffic signals were deactivated.
The City plans to ultimately replace traffic lights with stops signs at 144 locations.
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