KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

Those driving on Cedar Lane will start having to slow down soon as the temporary light that was installed at the William Northern Boulevard intersection will soon be operational.

In an announcement posted to the city’s Facebook page on Tuesday, Feb. 17, Community Engagement Officer Lyle Russell informed residents that the traffic light will soon start flashing yellow for the following week. Afterwards, the light will operate as normal with the red-yellow-green signal.

“Once [the light] starts flashing yellow, you need to remember that it’s a warning to drivers that light is about to be active within the next seven days,” Russell said. “That does not mean it’s a four-way stop.”

He continued and warned drivers that traffic on Cedar Lane will not stop in either direction when the light is flashing yellow, while traffic on William Northern Boulevard will continue to follow the stop signs.

“It will stop in both directions while that is flashing yellow,” Russell said.

Russell said once the traffic light converts to the red-yellow-green signal, traffic in all directions will follow its direction.

“Again, while this is flashing yellow, it is not a four-way stop. Traffic on Cedar Lane does not stop, traffic on William Northern will follow the same two-way stop that it is right now.

Russell said this is part of the notification process for when a new light is installed to alert motorists that the traffic pattern at that intersection will be changing soon while it is flashing yellow.

“Once it switches to red-yellow-green then everyone has to follow what those traffic signals say,” Russell said.

The installation of the temporary traffic light was approved by the Tullahoma Board of Mayor and Aldermen in January. The agreement allowed the city to pay $40,000 to Tullahoma Utilities Authority to install the traffic light as a permanent signal at the location would still be a year away due to supply chain and other solutions.   

“This is a very busy intersection and this light will help make it a lot safer once it is fully activated,” Russell said.

He ended the announcement by reminding drivers to pay attention to their surroundings and to drive safely.