Bardstown mayor: Unsightly traffic signal support poles coming down soon

The utilitarian-but-unattractive traffic signal support poles will be coming down soon and replaced with vertical poles that will support the traffic lights using cables.

NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT

Thursday, May 21, 2015, 3:30 p.m. (UPDATED Friday, May 22) — The traffic light supports erected earlier this year at the intersection of Fifth Street and West Stephen Foster will be coming down soon.

That’s the word from Bardstown Mayor John Royalty, who told the Nelson County Gazette Thursday that the new poles replacing the utilitarian-but-unattractive support structures are currently being painted black in preparation for their installation.

Royalty said the city will pay to replace the poles with vertical metal poles painted black. The city is paying for the work because of the city electric utilities involved in the work. The city is out the labor and paint for the poles, he said.

Convincing the state to remove the structures was a team effort, Royalty said. He gave credit to Nelson County Judge Executive Dean Watts, Public Works Director Larry Hamilton and city hall department heads, as well as former Bardstown Mayor Dick Heaton. “This was truly a team effort,” Royalty said.

The state erected the supports at the intersection earlier this year, and attracted immediate criticism from local elected officials, former elected officials and the public alike. The support structures cluttered the view of the Old Courthouse and Court Square when approaching from the west.

The new metal poles will support the traffic signals in the same manner as they are currently being supported, Royalty said.

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