By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Drivers having a tough time turning from Shelby County 80 onto Alabama 119 soon will have some relief, as a new traffic signal is now up at the intersection of the two roads.

Alabama Department of Transportation crews installed traffic lights at the intersection of the two roads on Oct. 10, said Alabaster City Manager George Henry. The lights will flash for seven to 10 days from the day they were installed before they go into operation, Henry said.

In December 2013, the City Council voted to approve an agreement with ALDOT to install traffic lights at the intersection of Alabama 119 and Shelby County 80. Through the agreement, ALDOT will provide $450,727 and Alabaster will provide $222,000 to purchase and install the new traffic signals.

City officials previously said the signals will help to alleviate frequent congestion at the intersection, particularly for those living in Wynlake and other subdivisions on Shelby County 80.

The signals were designed to accommodate the future four-lane widening of Alabama 119, which likely will move forward within the next several weeks.