CULPEPER – The traffic signal at Route 33 and ?>?>?>Celt Road just south of Stanardsville will be activated on Wednesday, Jan. 30. At approximately 10 a.m. the flashing amber and red lights will be switched to a full-cycle signal, weather permitting.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is installing the signal to improve safety in the area around the Greene County public school complex in Stanardsville. The signal will allow buses and other vehicles to cross or turn onto the Route 33 bypass while bypass traffic is stopped rather than crossing during breaks in the traffic flow as is the case now.  During peak school traffic on weekday mornings and afternoons the timing cycles on the signal will be altered to allow longer intervals for traffic on Celt Road to get through the intersection.

The signals are also equipped with video detectors to sense when traffic approaches the intersection so that the signals can change more rapidly during off-peak hours. Signal pre-emption devices have also been installed on the signals for use by emergency services vehicles while responding to calls. Those preemption devices allow the emergency vehicles to change the signal to green as the emergency vehicle approaches the intersection, which increases safety for the responders and other motorists.

The cost for the signal project is $115,400, including the design and installation of the signals. It is being funded by VDOT from federal money allocated to Greene County’s secondary road program.

Motorists are reminded to use caution as they approach the intersection, particularly just after the signal is activated while drivers adjust to the new traffic pattern. Although the green signal gives them clearance to enter the intersection they must still be aware of other vehicles that may be turning in front of them or approaching from the other direction. They should also be alert for other vehicles stopping at the intersection approach or within the intersection.

Highway safety is everyone’s responsibility. Virginia’s highway safety partnership — the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and Virginia State Police — challenges you to help prevent highway fatalities. Buckle up. Avoid distractions. Share the road. Drive drug- and alcohol-free. Obey speed limits.  For more information on the Highway Safety Challenge and things you can do to avoid becoming Virginia’s next traffic fatality, visit www.safeVAhighways.org.