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Council enacts traffic-control updates; members raise questions about flashing signals and local crash history
Summary
The council approved amendments to the city traffic-control file implementing Traffic Commission recommendations. Council members raised resident concerns about overnight flashing lights and a history of collisions at a downtown intersection where a signal was previously removed.
WORCESTER — The Worcester City Council adopted an ordinance April 7 amending the city’s traffic-control file to implement recommendations from the Traffic Commission, actions the administration described as no-cost updates to signal timing and signage.
City traffic engineer (Mazzei) told the council that the ordinance mainly updates engineering references and reflects actions already recommended by the Traffic Commission. Councilmembers used the floor to raise a recent resident complaint: several signals that had previously been flashing only during the day were changed to remain in the same operation overnight following guidance from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). A resident had reported longer commute times because the lights now operate in full signal mode overnight.
Mazzei said ODOT guidance supported a change to consistent day/night operation in some locations; another staff member (Denny) explained the adjustment was made after further review. Councilmembers also discussed a specific intersection on Buckeye where a permanent signal had been removed years earlier; one member said at least three crashes — two involving hit-and-runs — had occurred since the signal was removed. Staff said they examined sight triangles and did not find an obstruction, but acknowledged some drivers may not pull up far enough to see cross traffic.
The ordinance was adopted after a suspension of rules; councilmembers asked staff to follow up on the resident complaint and to monitor safety at the Buckeye intersection.
Why it matters
Traffic-control file updates are routine but can affect daily travel patterns, emergency-response timing and pedestrian safety. The exchange underscores how technical guidance (ODOT recommendations) and local conditions inform signal operation choices.
What’s next
Council asked staff to investigate the specific overnight signal locations and to report back; staff also will continue to coordinate with ODOT on recommended signal operations.
