Submitted article
Two changes were made Monday on Portland Way North that will affect traffic flow.
The stop bar and traffic light activator at the intersection of Portland Way North at Carter Drive was moved back 20 feet. This was done to allow more turning radius for the vehicles turning right off of Carter Drive onto Portland Way, especially for the school busses that use that intersection to exit. This change will not affect traffic flow but drivers are asked to pay attention to the stop bar at the intersection as the turn lane stop bar is further away from the intersection than the through lane on Portland Way North.
The most significant change is the addition of a left turn light at the intersection of Portland Way North (going southbound) at Heise Park. This traffic signal is controlled by a camera sensor which is installed near the traffic light. This new traffic signal will allow for vehicles to turn left onto Heise Park Drive while northbound traffic on Portland Way is stopped by a red light. Once the green left turn signal goes off, northbound traffic will have a green light and normal traffic flow will resume.
“This is a change that has been needed for quite some time and we are hopeful that it will eliminate some of the congestion we have seen at this intersection during school hours,” said Galion police chief Brian Saterfield. “We are asking that drivers pay attention to this new traffic signal change and remain patient when driving in the area.”