Wheatfield to install traffic light on Lockport/Walmore intersection

by Ralph Schwarz
Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, May 6, 2004

In an effort to increase traffic safety within the town of Wheatfield, Town Supervisor Timothy Demler announced last Friday the installation of a traffic light on the eastern intersection of Walmore and Lockport roads.

"As a town, we have received many calls, e-mails, letters from various residents and the school district over the last couple of years to make this a safe intersection," Demler said in a press conference held at a lot in the vicinity of the intersection. "Today, we are delivering the long over-due traffic light at this dangerous intersection."

Demler said that he instructed Wheatfield Highway Superintendent Arthur Kroening to begin the installation of the traffic light immediately. The light is expected to be installed and in operation by July 1.

"This traffic area is used by our business commuters, by our residents of all ages and by our school children on school buses that attempt -- at high risk -- to proceed at this corner," Demler said. "This traffic light is important for the safety of our community and, most importantly, by our school children who travel these roads everyday."

Lengthy Delays During Peak Hours

The eastern intersection of Lockport and Walmore roads ranks as one of the busiest in Wheatfield. Especially during peak hours in the morning and in the afternoon, motorists traveling from Niagara Falls Boulevard on Walmore Road frequently experience lengthy delays when trying to turn onto Lockport Road.

These delays often trigger heightened aggressions inside less patient drivers, causing road rage and reckless maneuvers that can lead to traffic accidents. The Niagara County Sheriff Department receives on average two to three calls per week about accidents occurring at the Lockport/Walmore intersection, said Deputy Ron Dworzanski.

"A year ago, our engineering department did traffic studies throughout the town to figure out where best to place any traffic control devices," Demler said. "This location in particular was on the top of the list."

Demler estimated the cost for the new traffic light between $50,000 and $75,000. Funding for the lights has been included in the town's budget for a two-year period. Although the two roads are officially county roads, Niagara County did not contribute any financial assistance to install the traffic light.

More Traffic Lights To Come

"I'm hoping that this would be the first of many other developments of that type to protect the residents and school children in the coming month and coming years," Demler said.

Speaking for the Niagara Wheatfield school district, Transportation Director Terry Eisenman thanked Demler and the Wheatfield town board for their efforts in taking out the dangers of one of the most hazardous intersections in Western Niagara County.

"I am convinced that this signal will reduce the risks of accidents and perhaps even save life," he said. "The students who ride Niagara Wheatfield buses, your student drivers and, in fact, all the motorists who pass this way will be safer because of the actions taken by the town supervisor and the town board."

Niagara Wheatfield head bus driver Isabella Lunderman appreciated the new traffic light.

"We've been waiting for this for a long time," she said. "We need it. Safety-wise it's a real hazard here, so the light is going to be a real blessing."

State, County Need To Act

Although the new light represents a step into the right direction, Eisenman said that there is still more work to be done.

"The other intersection at Walmore and Lockport roads is also very hazardous," he said. "I would respectfully urge our elected state and county officials to follow the lead of Supervisor Demler and help us to get us a second sign down the road.

"The town of Wheatfield has already gone above and beyond what is required and did what was needed. Now it's time for the state and the county to do the same for another hazardous intersection."

Eisenman encouraged motorists to participate in a petition drive planned for this summer to improve the traffic safety on Lockport Road between the two Walmore Road intersections.