The new traffic signal at Highway 12 and Clemons Road goes into service — weather permitting — at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, according to the State Department of Transportation.

The department says the new signal reduces the risk for collisions at the intersection. The signal will be demand-activated, meaning vehicles on Clemons Road approaching Highway 12 will trigger its response, stopping traffic on US 12 and releasing Clemons Road vehicles. Additionally, traffic on westbound and eastbound US 12 will have turn pockets onto Clemons Road. Clemons Road traffic entering westbound US 12 will have a new acceleration lane.

The new signals are near the top of a small hill motorists go up when traveling west, just past the Wynooche River. There was some opposition from the public over the signals, mainly over the troubles truckers might have when they get stopped and have to get going again on a hill.

Delay for striping

A private developer working with Waste Connections Inc. transfer station will install crosswalk striping, left- and right-turn arrows and pavement markings from 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16. While that work is under way, drivers will encounter single-lane closures in both directions of Highway 12. This work is weather-dependent and could be rescheduled.

Funding for design, construction, permitting and state oversight were paid for by Waste Connections Inc.