Ouray, Colorado (AP): After
years of stop-and-go planning, Ouray County is ready to join
the rest of the nation idling in front of a red light.
The 3,500-resident county in southwestern Colorado plans to
get its first stoplight ever.
Work on the traffic signal, to be placed at the intersection
of U.S. 550 and Colorado 62 in Ridgway, begins in two weeks. It
should be in operation by October.
"It's the passing of an era," said Ridgway Town Manager Don
Batchelder. "Some people are excited. Some people are saying as
soon as the light goes in they're out of here."
Even residents who hate the idea realize that the high
growth in their rural town means it's reasonable to have a
traffic signal. An average of 5,800 vehicles per day pass
through the intersection.
Batchelder doesn't expect much official hoopla when Ouray
County loses its signal-less status. But there may be some
private ceremonies, he said.
"Some of us might get together and hold some sort of a wake
for the passing of old times," he said Tuesday.
