Traffic signals at 13th and Vine were de-activated shortly before 9 o’clock this morning in order to change out the signals for the new 3-lane traffic.

Don Stejskal, the Hays Service Division Supervisor says the work was scheduled for Tuesday, but a steady drizzle postponed the project until today.

“We waited until the morning rush-hour was over and then the Hays Police Department came in to direct traffic while these lights are out.  It’ll probably take an hour or so to make the change,” estimates Stejskal.

13th Street from Milner east to Canterbury is now three lanes instead of four, with a designated turning lane.  Bike lanes have been added between Vine Street and Canterbury.

Technician Steve Schorr with Gades Sales, from which the city purchased the new signal dog houses, is working with Hays employees to get the new lights wired into the traffic box.

The intersection will now be similar to 27th and Vine, with protected left turns.

Stejskal says the old signals will be stored for backup parts.