Construction on a project to widen the intersection of Mount Pelia Road and University Street to accommodate a traffic signal light began last Tuesday.

Delays are to be expected during construction, which is slated to be finished by December.

“I’ve discussed the construction with (Martin) Mayor (Randy) Brundige and he expects the delays at the intersection to subside within the next three to four weeks,” said SGA President Dusty Dean.

The total cost of the project, which is being undertaken by the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the City of Martin, is about $200,000.

While not a UTM Physical Plant construction project, those with questions regarding the project are urged to contact Physical Plant director of operations Tim Nipp at ext. 7601.

“I’m excited about the red light,” said Nikki Johnson, a sophomore Criminal Justice major from Alamo. “Now I won’t have to sit and wait for 10 minutes [at the intersection].”

Motorists driving through the area can expect delays as the intersection is to be widened and some of the existing aphalt is removed.

The new traffic light is the second project on University Street within the year. The first project was a digital message center that replaced the ailing sign at the corner of University Street and Skyhawk Parkway.