Shedding light: Concord-Loop Rd traffic signal gets 5-0 FMPC nod
Motorists traveling along Concord Road can expect to see a new traffic light.
Farragut Municipal Planning Commission unanimously approved the new traffic signal at the northern intersection of Loop and Concord roads during its meeting Thursday, June 19.
“The Concord/Loop Road intersection meets warrants outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for installation of a new traffic signal,” Town engineer Darryl Smith said.
“It’s a very simple layout, a two-lane approach on Loop Road, very much like Municipal Center Drive and (South) Campbell Station,” he added. “It serves two good purposes: One, it will help people on Loop Road make a left turn a lot easier onto Concord Road.
“Another benefit is that it will create gaps in northbound traffic during peak hours. I know it’s long been an issue with people in Concord Hills (who are) trying to get out in the morning. People are going so fast they can’t pull out.”
Mayor Ron Williams explained the traffic light would allow a break in traffic on Concord Road so Concord Hills residents can get onto Concord Road much easier.
“It’s the same (problem) at Thornton Heights,” he added.
The action is a follow-up of concerns introduced by former Vice Mayor Louise Povlin, who sits on the Planning Commission, since February.
While not present, she previously told fellow Commissioners and Board of Mayor and Aldermen members that residents were having trouble getting out of Loop Road onto Concord Road because of the traffic.
Commissioner Jeff Devlin asked if the light will be far enough away that it wouldn’t affect the roundabout. Smith answered it should not effect the roundabout.
Other business
On another matter, the Board voted unanimously to approve a preliminary plat to make improvements to Outlet Drive. This action comes in light of a proposed multi-family residential development, Venture at Laster Farms, 11471 Outlet Drive, that would have 240 apartments and 80 townhomes.
The improvements include a turn lane at 11471 Outlet Drive and improvements to Snyder Road/North Campbell Station Road intersection, which were included as recommendations in a traffic impact study, Town Community Development director Mark Shipley said.
In other business, FMPC unanimously voted to:
• Appoint Farragut High School rising junior Albert Liu as a youth representative on Commission.
• Postpone action to appoint a Planning Commission member to the Town’s Tree Board until all Commission members were present, as several Commissioners were absent. The new Tree Board representative would replace Scott Russ, who resigned.
