Concerns raised about intersection change

“We had a wedding this past week. Many of the guests were not from this area, and arrived later than they had planned,” West said. “Google Maps does not realize yet that the intersection has changed. How long will it take Google to update that for my clients and their guests? It was just uncalled for at this time, when the city, county, and state haven’t begun construction, and their plans may change.”

The intersection was redone in preparation for growth in the area, according to Macon County Mayor Steve Jones.

“(Lafayette) Mayor Jerry Wilmore and I discussed to go ahead and get the new intersection started,” Jones said. “It is just one thing already completed as we await mid-summer to start construction on the new administration building, as well as the move of the health department to that area.”

The volume of traffic in that area will continue to grow as these buildings are being constructed and completed.

“We understand some residents may not see the benefit of it now. I know it will relieve a lot of congestion as the plans ramp up to build,” Jones said.

District 7 County Commissioner Barry King said people in his district are upset about the change.

“This issue should raise a lot of questions. First, if the area becomes a four-way stop, or four-way traffic light the cement island there would have to be removed. I just think we are still too far out from the actual construction to need this at this time. Secondly, plans change for better traffic flow, or the construction site could change. There was no rush. My constituents care, they elected me, so I care,” King said.