Traffic light installed at Springs Health Centre Signal will be linked with others on Parrish
Author(s): Keith Lawrence Messenger-Inquirer Date: November 6, 2009 Section: C
A new traffic signal began flashing in front of The Springs Health Centre, 2200 E. Parrish Ave., on Thursday morning. Next Thursday, the traffic light will be in full operation.
"We need it desperately," said Donna Kinney, a pharmacy technician at Poole's Pharmacy Care in the center. "Cars can get backed up a long way trying to get out of here. The whole parking lot is like a maze, and getting out has been a real headache for a lot of people."
The 22-acre complex has more than 60 doctors' offices, a pharmacy, labs, surgery and diagnostics offices and a restaurant.
"We have between 400 and 500 people working at The Springs plus all the people who come here every day," developer Malcolm Bryant said. "It can be a little intimidating getting in and out at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. We couldn't be more happy with the light."
Kenny Potts, transportation cabinet traffic engineer in Madisonville, said in a news release that the signal will be interconnected with five others along Kentucky 54/East Parrish Avenue "to help maintain efficient traffic flow through the area."
"By synchronizing this new signal with five others ... the traffic disruptions should be minimized while providing added safety with a protected turn for traffic," he said.
Developers on both sides of the intersection donated property needed for poles and electrical connections, Potts said.
"We had underground utilities at the site that would have made it very difficult and expensive to install the signal poles on existing right of way," he said.
About 20,000 vehicles travel that section of highway daily, Potts said.
Keith Lawrence, 691-7301, klawrence@messenger-inquirer.com
