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WEIRTON -- Concerns over the safety of what officials and some residents have termed a dangerous intersection in the Marland Heights area of the city are a step closer to being addressed after Weirton Council agreed Monday to seek bids for the replacement of the neighborhood's lone traffic signal.
Originally, the resolution presented to council authorized the solicitation of bids and to enter into a contract to rebuild the traffic signal at the intersection of Rothrock Avenue and Lindberg Way. Council, however, amended the resolution to authorize the replacement of the light following a discussion, as well as comments offered by residents earlier in Monday's meeting.
"It is critical to that corner," resident Karen Gould said, noting the blind turn nature of part of the intersection. "It is a safety issue."
It also was noted the area serves as a bus stop for students in Hancock County Schools.
Parks Executive Director Coty Shingle, who lives near the intersection, also supported the need for a traffic light.
"That's all that's keeping people from getting killed," he said.
Fire Chief Kevin Himmelrick called the intersection the worst one in the city for his department's vehicles.
"We cannot see what is coming up that road in any form of imagination," Himmelrick said.
Ward 3 Councilman Fred Marsh explained the resolution didn't receive a recommendation from the city's Finance Committee because of the procedure being used to hire a company for the work, not because any of them were against the need for the signal to be addressed.
Initially, Public Works Director Allen Hess presented an estimate for the project from one company, saying others wouldn't provide any quotes until they knew city council was willing to move forward.
"We contacted several people. Only one got back to us," Hess said.
City Manager Mike Adams announced Monday a second company had expressed interest in submitting a bid, reaching out to officials Monday afternoon.
Ward 5 Councilwoman Flora Perrone offered her thanks to Hess and City Electrician Scott Marshall for their work in maintaining the light, noting needs to some repair at least once a month, especially after reports of it recently being hit by a truck.