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County moves to add protected left‑turn signals at Canterbury and U.S. 40 after controller replacement
Summary
Public Works briefed the commission on installing protected left‑turn signals at the Canterbury/Highway 40 intersection; commissioners gave consensus to proceed and the work will include a controller replacement already budgeted after accident damage.
Ellis County Public Works told commissioners Feb. 18 that the county can add protected left‑turn signals for eastbound and westbound traffic at the Canterbury/Highway 40 intersection and that part of the necessary wiring was installed when crews replaced a damaged traffic pole.
Brandon McKay said the additional signal equipment, wiring and cameras are estimated at roughly $11,180; McKay said a controller replacement is also required, a cost that the county would pay regardless after the existing controller failed and spare parts were unavailable. The presenter said the controller purchase is “just under $5,000,” and that the new controller will support the protected left‑turn function and railroad‑adjacent requirements.
Commissioners offered consensus support for adding the protected left‑turn signals and modernizing the controller to accommodate the traffic controls; staff did not seek a separate motion because the cost is within the county administrator’s authorization threshold and staff were directed to start the procurement and installation work.
Why this matters: The intersection is a high‑traffic corridor near schools and commercial routes; commissioners said adding protected left turns will improve safety as travel volumes increase.
Ending: Public Works will proceed with procurement and installation, and the county will absorb the controller cost already required by recent damage to the signal controller.
