Folks driving on King Street in the town of Elizabethtown may have noticed a new traffic pattern in the vicnity of the King Street Gynasium. On Tuesday, town staff unveiled two four-way stops. They are located at the intersections of South Marvin and King streets and South Morehead and King streets.
“It was a recommendation from the recreation planner for the improvements that are being made at Leinwand Park in order to improve safety at the places where children are at play,” said Town Manager Eddie Madden.
Two more four-way stops have been approved by the town council for Swanzy Street but Madden said town staff are looking at an alternative plan to bring motorists to a stop on Swanzy Street. He said instead of the stop signs, town staff are exploring a device called a hawk beacon. It will flash green or yellow and is only activated when a person presses a button and the beacon only turns red when someone needs to cross the street, said Madden.
The new traffic pattern change on King Street is catching some motorists by surprise. Madden said police officers have been stopping motorists who have not obeyed the new stop signs.
“We are not issuing citations just warnings and explaining to motorists the traffic pattern change,” said Madden.
He added the warnings will probably continue to be issued through the end of December.
Madden said motorists are already making adjustments to the traffic pattern change.
“It has improved dramatically over yesterday. Over next 30 days it (the new traffic pattern) will become more normal to us all,” said Madden.
He explained that while the new traffic pattern is a part of the improvements to Leinwand Park, it is not the only improvement.
“We have finalizing grading plans this week for the work at the former cement plant on Swanzy Street,” said Madden.
He added the old band building, which once served the former Elizabethtown High School, located on S. Morehead Street is also anticipated to be demolished this week.
“It was not part of the original plan but due to mold and moisture problems as roofing and other issues, it is more feasible to demolish it than to repair it. It is cost prohibitive to keep it,” said Madden.
Madden said once all of the work is completed, the park will feature areas for everyone. The Swanzy Street addition is designed for toddlers and senior adults.
“The skate park is drawing in folks that now play at Leinwand Park that may not have played there before,” said Madden.
He added that once the improvements are finished, more folks should be able to enjoy the park.
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