BUCKHANNON – The Consolidated Public Works Board on Thursday voted to turn the intersection of Madison and Florida streets into a four-way stop.

Mayor David McCauley said there are more activities taking place in that area of town, resulting in additional traffic.

“We’ve got these events like Trunk or Treat and car cruise-ins and Truck Fest and the Children’s Festival where we have things going on at both Jawbone Park and on the Public Safety Complex side of things,” McCauley said, “but I think this would be the belt and suspenders on safety. I think it’s something I support.”

Director of Public Works Jerry Arnold said he wasn’t opposed to the idea.

“There is probably as much traffic on Madison Street either turning or crossing Florida than there is on Florida Street, and we have a stop sign on Madison Street,” Arnold said.

Consolidated Public Works Board member Nancy Shobe made a motion to add two more stop signs at the intersection of Madison and Florida streets, which was seconded by CPWB member and councilwoman Pam Bucklew. The motion passed with all present board members voting to approve.

Consolidated Public Board Member Mark Waldo was absent.

In other news, the CPWB voted to make Friendly Way’s speed limit 15 mph.

“When we first established Friendly Way 14 years ago it was just from East Main, down to Florida Street,” McCauely said, “but then, Friendly Way was extended through the parking lot at Jawbone and we renamed Colerider Street to Friendly Way. [Friendly Way extends] across the other parking lot and [connects] all the way to South Locust.”

McCauley said he thought the street should be 15 mph because of the Stockert Youth and Community Center.

“I think it should be like a school zone,” McCauley said. “Stockert Youth with all the kids down there, it’s like a school and then most of the rest of Friendly Way goes through parking lots.”
The motion to make Friendly Way 15 mph was made by board member Nancy Shobe and seconded by board member and city councilman CJ Rylands.

The motion passed with all present members voting in favor.