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.