New traffic light near airport terminal

Motorists exiting I-35 just off exit 141 near Sergeant Bluff will notice a new traffic light near the Sioux City airport passenger terminal.

The traffic light project, located at the intersection of Discovery Boulevard, Al Haynes Drive and Aviation Boulevard in Sioux City, Iowa was finished in August and the lights are now operating.

According to Justin Pottorff civil engineer with Sioux City Public Works, the traffic lights were erected because of an increase in traffic flow and proposed growth in the area.

“Stop lights are expensive so we don’t want to install them unless they are needed,” Pottorff said.

According to Pottorff the new traffic lights are part of the fifth phase of the Bridgeport area construction project that has been on-going over the past several years. Large parts of the project near the same intersection included bridge construction over the railroad tracks that allow easier access to the airport and area businesses.

The project also saw the completion of a section of Harbor Drive in 2012 which rerouted South Bridge Drive around the Air National Guard installation allowing more secure and safe access to the Air and Army National facilities located at the airport.

Prior to installing the new traffic lights, other improvements made to the intersection included widening areas of the intersection in order to add additional turn lanes.

Pottorff said with the modern traffic light he does not expect significant delays, even during high traffic flow as members of the National Guard drive through the area on training weekends. He added that it is important however to be aware that lights are now running and reminds motorist to be patient when entering the area.

“We want to remind people to stay calm and obey traffic control devices,” Pottorff added.