The traffic light at the corner of Main Street and Maple Avenue has been the source of some contention for Old Saybrook residents over the last several months. Despite a delay, town leaders are saying the issue with the traffic light at the corner of Main Street and Maple Avenue will be resolved soon.

The light is being replaced by the State Department of Transportation (DOT) to have upgraded weather resistance, upgraded lighting, and LED lights. The trouble, is that the pole has been laid up on the side of the road for half a year due to construction delays and some citizens are upset at the delay and how the stalled construction project looks.

“It’s been a mess for five months and it should be fixed,” said Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna.

“I’ve probably had five or six people call in and ask about it, but those are just the people who take the initiative to actually call. That’s not counting the people who drive by and say ‘what the heck is going on?’” said Fortuna.

Complicating matters, the project is being handled by the state, which means there isn’t much the town can do to remedy this issue, Fortuna said.

Fortuna stated on the town website that DOT had recently responded to his query, saying once electrical inspections had been conducted, Eversource is expected to come in within the following two weeks (assuming no weather issues) and provide power.

Fortuna sad that part of the problem for the DOT is that projects are backed up due to the pandemic. Fortuna also acknowledged that issue with the light is annoying but certainly not the biggest issue in the world.

“DOT works very closely with this office, and is highly responsive when I call with a question or complaint. We have a great relationship,” said Fortuna.