Mayor: Traffic across Lexington will flow faster soon

New digital traffic signals will reduce congestion on major roads across Lexington, Mayor Steve MacDougall said Monday.

The $6.3 million network will mean faster trips to work and shopping, he said in remarks prepared for his annual “State of the Town” address.

“This high-tech traffic management system will help alleviate traffic congestion by monitoring and synchronizing traffic signals to balance traffic flow in real-time conditions and link all lights within the town limits,” MacDougall said.

Town leaders are banking on technology, creating what is called a “green-light tunnel,” as a faster and cheaper way to lessen traffic jams instead of widening roads and intersections.

“This system will help place Lexington in the forefront of traffic management,” the mayor said.

Plans call for the signals to ease bottlenecks on U.S. 1, U.S. 378 and S.C. 6, commuter routes and retail thoroughfares intersecting in the center of town. About 81,000 vehicles travel those roads daily, state traffic counts say.

The signals are in use at five intersections, with 30 more to be added in stages through 2017.

Conversion of Lake Drive and Church Street into one-way routes also will ease congestion, MacDougall said.

He didn’t mention $13.6 million in road improvements financed by a local tax on dining out, takeout meals and snacks whose adoption met resistance.

Motorists and pedestrians will see new signs soon for landmarks, including a 900-seat amphitheater opening in summer for concerts and gatherings, he said.

“Our goal is to be aesthetically appealing and preserve our small-town charm while making enhancements that will continue to attract visitors and new economic development,” MacDougall said.