Time for DOT to change signal light timing

The timing of the light changed at or around the time that Atlas Traffic Management Systems Inc. began working on the DOT’s signal improvement project. Atlas subsequently walked off the job in February and has not been back since. The project, which involves new signal lights and a more sophisticated timing system, is about half done.

DOT spokesman Teri Pope indicates that, made aware of the problem, the DOT’s engineers will come to Commerce to investigate, probably next week. That agency, understandably, is dealing with the aftermath of storms that dumped up to 20 inches of rain across North Georgia, washing out roads and bridges. But Pope says the DOT will look at the situation and change the timing if it is warranted — as local motorists know it is.

The DOT is also working to get Atlas or somebody back on the job to finish the project, which includes tying that light into the light at Hardee’s to improve traffic flow, and to upgrade two signal lights in Jefferson. Negotiations are under way. In the meantime, Commerce area motorists would be grateful for a temporary fix at Central Avenue.