(MURFREESBORO) In an effort to keep the traffic flowing smoothly, the City of Murfreesboro completed a traffic study at the intersection of Haynes Drive and Sulphur Springs Road. Assistant Traffic Director Ram Balachandran reports that the signal is now operative.

He noted that the city's crews constructed and installed the signal, and that saved considerable tax dollars.

Balachandran said, "The cost of the poles and equipment are in the $40 to $50-thousand dollar range, and the engineering and installation costs double that--bringing the signal investment near $90,000."

Balachandran explained, "Before any of this happens, a study must be done to show that enough traffic is in the area to require the traffic signal. Laws mandate that the main thoroughfare must have 600 to 800 vehicles per hour over an 8-hour period to qualify. In addition, the secondary road must have 75 to 150 vehicles per hour."

This busy intersection easily fit those requirements and the new traffic signal is now operative.