Traffic Signals Removed Near Binghamton School Will Return

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."

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?"

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.

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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.