Traffic light changes planned for intersection in front of Chelsea McDonald’s

Drivers will soon have turn signals at all left turns of the intersection of U.S. 280 and County Road 47.

On Tuesday, Jan. 10, ALDOT will be making repairs to the traffic lights at that intersection, located in front of the McDonalds in Chelsea. Repairs will take place from 9 a.m. to noon, during which time Shelby County Sheriff’s Office deputies will direct traffic. Work will take place at the same time on Jan. 11.

Motorists will likely see delays and are encouraged to make plans to use alternative routes, according to a press release from the Sheriff’s Office, and drivers should be cautious and drive slowly in this area.

At a later date, there will be some repainting in the intersection, said Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer, but he encouraged residents to be patient during the changes.

“I just ask everyone to be patient, maybe give a little extra time to get through that intersection, and the end result will be worth the wait,” Picklesimer said.

The intersection in front of McDonalds has been discussed by Chelsea’s current city council as well as the 2012-2016 council. While he was campaigning, Picklesimer said improving safety on U.S. 280 was a high priority.

“I have actually had three meetings with ALDOT, three to be exact, and it was a big part of my campaign,” Picklesimer said. “I talked about how I feel we ought to have some input into ALDOT’s decision making in Chelsea proper.”

The changes to this intersection are a way to keep that promise of keeping Chelsea safe, Picklesimer said.

“I’ve always been of the opinion that if all left turns in that intersection at 280 and 47 were on green arrow only, rather than turn left on green when clear, that it would greatly reduce the number of accidents and the severity of accidents in the intersection,” Picklesimer said.

The work that will take place on Tuesday is the result of meeting with ALDOT as well as the input from several individuals, including council members, Picklesimer said. There are two other projects related to intersections on U.S. 280 in the works, Picklesimer said, but those have not been approved at this time.