Some residents of Binghamton's East Side are unhappy that the city has removed traffic signals at an intersection near a school.

The signals at East Frederick and Moeller streets were taken down by public works crews recently. Although they're gone now, they're expected to be back soon.

Signs at the intersection just west of East Middle School read: "Signal Under Study for Removal."

The pedestrian crossing signals at East Frederick and Moeller streets were covered and out of service on July 26, 2023. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
The pedestrian crossing signals at East Frederick and Moeller streets were covered and out of service on July 26, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Former city councilmember William Berg was surprised when he saw the signals at the intersection had been removed.

One man who lives nearby said he couldn't believe the signals were taken down. He asked: "What are they thinking?"

Someone scrawled the message: "NEAR A SCHOOL... REALLY" on this sign on East Frederick Street. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Someone scrawled the message: "NEAR A SCHOOL... REALLY" on this sign on East Frederick Street. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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In an email response to an inquiry from WNBF News, Mayor Jared Kraham said the traffic signal study was made "because that light was being continually hit by trucks."

Kraham wrote: "While the study showed that it can work as a 4-way stop, the recent improvements done at the intersection are really designed and intended for an active traffic signal. My intent is to keep the light."

The mayor said the public works department is planning to take steps to raise the signal in an effort to prevent future damage. He said the work is expected to cost between $5,000 and $6,000. That's much less than a full signal replacement project which could cost more than $250,000.

Kraham said the changes at the intersection may take a few weeks to be accomplished. He said normal signal operation should resume before the end of summer.

A view of the traffic signals at East Frederick and Moeller streets in May 2023. Image: Google Street View
A view of the traffic signals at East Frederick and Moeller streets in May 2023. Image: Google Street View
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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