Missing Parts Delay Use of New 22 Mile and Romeo Plank Traffic Lights

Those new traffic lights hovering over the 22 Mile and Romeo Plank intersection may change the flow of traffic in the area when installation is complete.

The new lights, which have been hanging suspended near the older signals for the past several months, will eventually replace the current signals directing traffic. 

Bill Westrick, parking engineer with the Macomb County Department of Roads, said additional materials are needed to complete work on the new signals and because of delays with outside suppliers, it’s unclear when they will be fully functional.

“That’s the case for (other) traffic lights across Macomb County, not just this one,” Westrick said. 

Westrick added that no official decision has been made on the way the new signal will direct traffic, although he said it’s possible the light may be changed to a permissive left turn. A permissive turn signal allows drivers to turn left on a green arrow and while the circular green is lit (an unaided left), after yeilding to oncoming traffic.

Westrick said the change, if it happens, should reduce traffic congestion at the intersection. 

This intersection is the in Macomb Township, according to crash data collected by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG).

This story was inspired by a tip from a Macomb Patch reader. If you have a news tip, email jenny.whalen@patch.com.