Traffic signals are now four-way stops on Jackson

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Officials with the Russellville Police Department and the city of Russellville are urging all motorists to use caution when traveling down Jackson Avenue.
Police Chief Chris Hargett said the traffic lights along Jackson Ave. will be turned into four-way stops today.
"We are going to turn all the light signals into four-way stops to get ready for the upcoming streetscape project that will begin in the coming months," Hargett said.
The light signals will flash to indicate the intersection is a four-way stop.
Hargett said once the lights are taken down, there will be stop signs placed on the side streets.
"Everyone needs to remember that motorists traveling on Jackson have the right of way when the stop signs are installed," Hargett said. "But everyone needs to use extreme caution when traveling in that area because the stop lights will not be there to slow traffic along Jackson."
Hargett said a concern along Jackson is that motorists will increase their speed.
"Everyone needs to be aware of the other drivers because there will be motorists pulling out of parking spaces in the downtown area," Hargett said.
The streetscape project is expected to begin in the coming months. Making these four-way stops and removing stoplights is the beginning of the first phase, which includes creating tighter intersections and replacing stoplights where Lawrence and Madison intersect with Jackson. Stop signs will simply be added along the other streets. There will not be a traffic signal at those intersections once the existing lights have been taken down.
The second phase will consist of new sidewalks and landscaping downtown.
Hargett said he wants the public to be aware that there will be changes in the downtown area in the coming months, and it's important that everyone use caution in the downtown area.