After several weeks, once-balky traffic signal in northern Chapel Hill now working fine

A few weeks ago, a new traffic signal at Eubanks and Millhouse roads in northern Chapel Hill got turned on after several months of acting like modern art.

Twice a News & Observer staffer waited at least four minutes for the light to change to green to turn left onto Eubanks Road.

When an N&O photographer went to take a picture of the light, he saw a driver also grow impatient and turn left against the light.

So what was going on?

Chapel Hill's town engineers said last week they had received no complaints but would look into what was happening.

Millhouse Road runs parallel to the train tracks at that intersection, which usually aren't used more than once per day.

According to traffic operations engineer Robert Myers, the traffic signal is governed by how much traffic is approaching the intersection except for when a train is also coming. Then the train gets the right of way, and the lights turn red except for the one facing the tracks to give some time to those sitting on the tracks to clear them.

Whether prompted by The N&O's call or not, this week the traffic signal was working splendidly. Drivers at the intersection saw the light turn green seconds after stopping at the white line.