Traffic signal to be altered from Route 32 to Route 144

The left-turn traffic signal from northbound Route 32 to Route 144 will be altered this week to help reduce the number of accidents at the West Friendship intersection, the State Highway Administration announced Friday.

A flashing red light will be installed on the traffic pole to require motorists turning left from northbound Route 32 onto westbound Route 144 to stop and yield to traffic on southbound Route 32. The SHA hopes the signal will discourage motorists from speeding on turns through the intersection, which now is controlled by a green turn arrow signal or a solid green signal, said Chuck Brown, an SHA spokesman.

Because drivers are not required to stop at either signal when turning, too many "do not sufficiently judge the gap of time they need" to turn without encountering traffic on southbound Route 32, which usually has a green light at the same time, Mr. Brown said.

In 1994 and 1995, there were seven accidents at the intersection.

Construction will begin Friday and should be completed the same day, Mr. Brown said.

Pub Date: 3/11/96