After Months of Delays, New Traffic Light Activated on Union Road and Morris Road for 60 Day Trial

 Yisroel R.

After months of delays, a new traffic light at Union Road and Morris in Spring Valley was activated Monday morning, bringing a long-awaited change to an intersection that has contributed to major traffic backups along Union Road.

Until now, the intersection was controlled by all-way stop signs, forcing vehicles traveling along Union Road to come to a full stop, at all times, contributing to major traffic congestion. With Union Road serving as one of the village’s busiest and longest roads, heavy traffic backed up for long stretches, at times reaching close to Maple Avenue in one direction and toward Viola Road in the other.

The Village of Spring Valley had previously approved the traffic light on a trial basis, but its activation was delayed for several months before the new signal officially went into effect Monday morning at 7:00 a.m.

The light is currently programmed to remain green for approximately one minute for traffic on Union Road and for about 20 seconds for traffic coming from Morris Road.

Spring Valley Deputy Mayor Yisroel Eisenbach said the new system remains a trial for 60 days, and that village officials will be closely watching how it affects traffic before determining whether adjustments are needed.

Deputy Mayor Eisenbach said the village will be happy to hear positive or even negative feedback from motorists and residents on the new system. But its important for residents looking to judge how well the new system is working should keep in mind that school bus pickup and drop-off times are not the best measure, since buses frequently stop along Union Road and naturally slow traffic. He said traffic flow can be better observed between approximately 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and again after 6:30 p.m.

Village officials are encouraging drivers and residents to share with officals on how the new light is working as the trial moves forward, while reminding motorists to remain alert and yield to pedestrians at the intersection.

The activation marks a significant change for Union Road after years of traffic buildup around the all-way stop signs, with the village hoping the new signal will help keep vehicles moving more smoothly along one of Spring Valley’s most populated roads.