New traffic lights active

    The traffic signals at Stripmine Road and Baltimore Street passed the turn-on/railroad pre-emption/Emergency Vehicle Pre-emption (EVP) tests Friday morning, and the intersection is now open with functioning signals.
    The final course of asphalt has not yet been laid, but temporary pavement striping is in place. City engineer Colby Zemaitis said the surface and permanent striping will be done in the coming weeks.
    Detour signs were slated to be removed Friday afternoon.
    Wilmington police officers were monitoring the intersection to ensure that drivers were aware that they are unable to make a right turn on a red light from westbound Baltimore Street to Stripmine Road — the only intersection in town that has this restriction due to the proximity of the Union Pacific Railroad track. Turns from Stripmine Road and from eastbound Baltimore Street to Stripmine Road are also restricted.
    The improvements at Route 53 and Coal City Road will be the next high speed rail project to begin, within the coming weeks.