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Public safety is one of the core responsibilities of government. That includes those traveling on area roadways, whether on our rural backgrounds, busy city streets or fast-paced highways. It takes a team effort to make sure residents and visitors are able to safely navigate their way around the region.
That's why a proposal from the West Virginia Division of Highways to remove a series of traffic lights in Follansbee is concerning. These aren't signals on side streets with low speeds and traffic levels, either. These four intersections are located along the city's Main Street, which also happens to be part of W.Va. 2.
Anyone who has driven along Follansbee's Main Street can tell you there are very few times where traffic is not constant. What's more, homes, businesses, a playground and basketball court are within a few feet of the road.
Speeding also has long been an issue, with a record of vehicle crashes and other incidents.
City officials have composed a letter to state highways officials, with some requesting representatives of the state agency meet with City Council to explain the decision.
Such a meeting needs to happen, and those involved need to find a better solution for the safety of everyone.