Keeping our population safe is one of the highest responsibilities of government.

That includes those traveling on our state’s roadways, whether on our rural backgrounds, busy city streets or fast-paced highways. It takes a team effort, from local law enforcement, to road crews and electricians to make sure residents and visitors alike are able to safely navigate their way around the Mountain State.

That’s why a proposal from the West Virginia Division of Highways to remove a series of traffic lights in Follansbee is concerning. These aren’t signals on side streets with low speeds and traffic levels, either. These four intersections are located along the city’s Main Street, which also happens to be part of West Virginia Route 2.

Residents, no doubt, have seen the early phase of this plan for some time, as lights at a couple of the intersections have been covered for some time, while the other two have more recently been set at a constant blinking yellow pattern.

Anyone who has driven along Follansbee’s Main Street can tell you there are very few times where traffic is not constant, with vehicles of all shapes and sizes traveling north and south through the city. What’s more, homes, numerous businesses, a playground and basketball court are within a few feet of the roadway, and people often are seen walking through downtown, including crossing the street, to visit friends, run errands and to get some exercise.

Speeding also has long been an issue, with a record of vehicle crashes and other incidents.

City officials have composed a letter to the WVDOH, with some requesting representatives of the state agency meet with city council to explain the decision.

We also would encourage such a meeting take place, and hope a better solution is found for the safety of everyone.