JACKSON ALDERMEN PROCEED WITH STREET IMPROVEMENTS

JACKSON -- The Jackson Board of Aldermen voted Monday to proceed with plans to improve Greensferry Road to eliminate a traffic hazard on the crest of a hill near the intersection with Clark Street.

Until the project is completed late this summer or early fall, four-way stop signs will remain at the intersection. A flashing warning light has been placed over the intersection to alert drivers of the four-way stop.

The project will involve cutting back a steep grade on Greensferry Road to give northbound motorists a better view of the Clark Street intersection. About 400 feet of new, 27-foot-wide pavement will be installed.

Acting City Engineer Rich Bowen said the project will cost around $25,000, and require a cut of about three feet at the top of the hill. "No trees will be moved, no easements will be needed, and only one utility pole will have to be moved," said Bowen. "Some yards where the bank is now will be a little steeper, but that cannot be helped. Everybody will still be able to get in and out of their drive ways, although a few of the drive ways will be slightly higher."

The four-way stop signs were placed at the intersection after the aldermen received numerous complaints about speeding motorists threatening the safety of school students waiting to get on the school bus.

Bowen said during the Greensferry Street survey, one of his surveyors was nearly struck by a speeding car as it topped the hill on Greensferry road. "I'm going to tell you right now, they come over that hill more on the order of 50 mph," said Bowen.

In other business, the council approved the low bid of R&R Concrete Finishing of Jackson to construct an access road into Litz Park from Shawnee Boulevard. The R&R bid of $47,988 was the only bid below the engineer's estimate of approximately $48,000.

The board also approved ordinances calling for the improvements of Anna Street and Eastview Court, and a motion to advertise for bids with the bid deadline set for May 18.

The board granted the Lee-Rowan Co. permission to set off fireworks on May 20, in connection with the celebration of its new building program.

City Administrator Carl Talley reported Clean-Up Park Day in Jackson will be held on Saturday, May 2.

This Friday is "Youth in Government Day." Talley said high school students will conduct a mock board of aldermen meeting and function in various roles of city government from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at city hall.