Part of Sallisaw’s ‘growing pains’

TLS Construction, working in conjunction with the City of Sallisaw, completed its directional drilling Tuesday after boring under Cherokee Avenue at the intersection of Oak Street in downtown Sallisaw. As part of the underground process, wires were pulled through conduit for the installation of pedestrian crossing signals at each of the four corners at the intersection. In addition, cameras for traffic control will be added atop the traffic signals at the intersection, replacing the underground loops that require costly maintenance. Until complete, temporary stop signs are controlling traffic at the intersection. Keith Miller, building development director for the city, says it will take “a couple of weeks” to complete, but that “it‚s something the community has needed for awhile.” The temporary inconvenience for traffic at the intersection is “part of our growing pains,” Miller says. He says similar projects are being considered for the intersections at Wheeler Avenue and at Dogwood Street.