An intersection construction project will impact traffic at one of Perry’s busiest intersections starting Monday.
Phase one of the Highway 144 Intersection Improvement project, otherwise known as the 1st Avenue and Willis Avenue project, will begin next week.
Perry Police Chief Eric Vaughn explains what the project entails.
“They will be putting up new lights in that area and also repaving that section, putting in some storm sewers and that kind of thing. It will be really nice. There will be a turning lane once that’s complete and it will be a change from a four lane in that area down to a three lane from about Otley (Avenue) until around the Kum and Go and Casey’s (General Store) area.”
Vaughn urges motorists, pedestrians and trail users to be extra cautious in that area because there may be some delays and congestion but in the end he feels it will be worth it.
“There’s a little bit of confusion at First and Willis (Avenues) always because there’s no green arrows, this will eliminate that. It will also slow that traffic down which will increase the safety in that intersection and give that definite turn lane so through traffic will move a little bit quicker and turning traffic will be able to turn with a little more safety. There will also be pedestrian signals too, the walk and don’t walk signals along with I think an auditory signal.”
Phase one will focus on the east side of the intersection. Therefore, Willis Avenue will be closed between 1st Avenue and 2nd Street until early May and traffic on Highway 144 will be reduced to a single lane in each direction through both phases of the project. Construction is expected to be completed by early June.