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WEIRTON -- City officials are looking into what can be done to address what they say could be the oldest operational traffic signal in Weirton.
As part of last week's Traffic Commission meeting, commissioners were asked to discuss an evaluation of the traffic light located at the intersection of Rothrock Avenue and Lindberg Way in the Marland Heights area of the city. It was noted there have been recent issues with its functionality and limited repair options.
"It's mechanical. It clicks. It buzzes," explained city electrician Scott Marshall, noting replacement parts for the devices have not been made in many years. "They've stopped making the parts. I'm making the parts."
Marshall showed the commission a key he had to fabricate in order to access some of the components, also showing photographs of the inside of the control mechanism.
"It looks like something Tesla or Einstein put together back in the day," Marshall said, noting it was designed to work for approximately 50 years but has held on for at least three decades more.
Public Works Director Allen Hess added repairs to the signal aren't as simple as changing the lights themselves; the entire system controlling the devices would need replaced which also would result in needing to meet current regulations under the National Transportation Safety Board.
Marshall explained there would be a minimum cost of $65,000 to replace the system, with additional costs depending on the type of poles and operational system used.
Many of those in attendance Thursday agreed some type of traffic control is needed at the intersection.
"It's literally a blind turn," noted Ward 5 Councilmember Flora Perrone.
Perrone said she knows of at least three incidents this summer where the light has had a malfunction, but Marshall explained there have been times he has been there at least once a week.
Commissioners raised the idea of just having stop signs at the intersection, but that was quickly passed over.
"Whether you put a used one or a new one, there needs to be a light," said Police Chief Charlie Kush.
Perrone pointed out there is the potential for increased traffic in the area with proposed improvements to Marland Heights Park. Commission Chair Romie Castelli added Williams Golf and Country Club has seen an increase in membership, also creating additional traffic.
Another option discussed, but seemingly abandoned was to take out and use the signal at the intersection of West Street and Lee Avenue, which is close in age to the Rothrock light, but Hess said that, too, would create traffic issues.