The intersection of Grand Avenue and Whitman Street experienced traffic delays Friday morning as the Pullman crews began a week long improvement project to modernize the signal systems.

The project itself, which began on March 27th and is expected to conclude April 3, has reduced Grand Avenue to one lane in each direction. As a result, Whitman Street is currently closed to traffic between State Street and Kamiaken Street.

According to city officials, the work involves removing and upgrading signal heads, street name signs and traffic signal cabinets at the busy State Route 27 junction.

This construction is part of an ongoing city-wide initiative to upgrade traffic signals, with a final completion date slated for mid-May 2026. While projects at Stadium Way and Bishop Boulevard have already been completed, work remains in progress at Crestview Street.

The disruption has prompted mixed reactions from local residents on Facebook regarding both the necessity of the upgrades and the timing of the construction.

Some community members, like Nick Shaw, expressed hope the new equipment might lead to the removal of “no right on red” restrictions at the train tracks on Whitman Street. 

However, the scheduling of the work has drawn criticism from those who are actually navigating the detours. Local resident Jacob Furr questioned the decision to start the project on a Friday, noting the timing appeared inefficient.

“I’m surprised that they started this project on a Friday, stood around until noon and then just left it over the entire weekend,” Furr said.

City officials have urged motorists to drive cautiously, and where possible, limit trips through the work areas until the intersection fully reopens.