Ortonville- The village is currently a one-stoplight town if you don’t count the traffic lights on M-15. However, there is currently discussion underway to changing it to a no-stoplight town.
Village Manager Bill Sprague said there have been complaints about whether the traffic light located downtown at South Street and Mill Street is actually needed, and village councilmembers are considering converting it to a 4-way stop.
‘Contrary to rumors, we’re not making it free-flow,? Sprague said. ‘Contrary to popular belief, a 4-way stop is safer than a light, especially for pedestrian traffic.?
Besides the safety issue, Sprague said changing to a 4-way stop would also yield savings to the village. The traffic light is more than 25-years-old. While it doesn’t currently have any repair issues, it is becoming more difficult for the Road Commission for Oakland County to get parts for the light and it’s more difficult to maintain.
‘It’s basically an out-of-service light,? Sprague said. ‘If it were to die, a new light would cost between $25,000 to $50,000, so it’s something we need to take a strong look at.?
Maintenance costs for the light, including minor repairs, electricity and calibration, costs the village between $1,500 to $2,000. Sprague said the light was originally installed because of concerns about schoolchildren, but he believes a 4-way stop sign, or even a flashing 4-way red light, would be safer, since drivers often speed up to make the green or yellow light, but would be forced to slow down to stop for a stop sign.
‘Nothing has been decided,? Sprague noted. ‘We’re just fact-finding.?