Warren officials are hoping a traffic light near South Street Early Learning Center will be fixed before school resumes.
Mike Holtz, director of public works, said the city is in the middle of getting the traffic signal at the corner of South Street and Pennsylvania Avenue repaired. He believes it was damaged during one of the rain and lightning storms a few weeks ago.
"We're trying to get it repaired and we're still doing that," Holtz said on Monday. "We're hoping to have it repaired by the first day of school, knowing the importance of that intersection."
South Street Early Learning Center is located on that corner. Students return to class on Tuesday, Aug. 28.
Although uncertain, Holtz said he assumes lightning caused the damage. He said after workers removed the electronics and circuit boards, they could see how the components were burned.
Following the storm, the light went into flashing mode with a red signal on South Street and a yellow one for Pennsylvania Avenue. That went on for several weeks, Holtz said, until the light went completely dark.
Now,there are four-way stop signs to direct traffic at the intersection. That will continue, Holtz said, until work on the light can be completed.
"People need to be aware the intersection is different," Holtz said, advising motorists to "pay closer attention."
In addition, Holtz said motorists should be patient and use the rules of a four-way intersection which dictate everyone yield to the vehicle to their right.
There is only an outside chance the light will not be repaired in time for school, Holtz said. But if that happens, he encouraged motorists to use extra care during increased traffic in the mornings and afternoons.