Anyone traveling along U.S. 280 toward Chelsea this week may have noticed a few more stops along the way. New traffic lights are have been installed at Highways 41 and 43.

Gary Ray, engineer with the Alabama Department of Transportation, said the lights became operational Friday before the Memorial Weekend. &8220;We had them both up and running by rush hour,&8221; Ray said. &8220;I know it&8217;s irritating for people to have to go through more signals, but there was just so much side traffic trying to get onto (U.S.) 280.&8221;

The process took longer than the month or so it was expected to take. Ray said the contractors simply took longer than was needed to complete the project.

The project involved not only installing lights but also improving approach lanes and reconfiguring turn lanes onto 280 from the two highways.

&8220;My heavy concern is vehicles approaching the intersection on 280 are able to stop with those steep grades,&8221; Ray said. &8220;I&8217;m prayerful this is going to be a safe addition.&8221;