The new stoplight at the intersection of Hwy. 40 and SR 45 is working well, according to Naples Chief of Police Mark Watkins. Traffic is moving more smoothly through the intersection, especially during the afternoon, when workers and trucks returning to town after working in Bonanza, can be stuck in traffic a half a mile long.

“We appreciate the lights, it helps quite a bit breaking up traffic coming through town, especially in the afternoon. They’re a big positive.”

One point of concern, however, is that it’s hard to see the light as you enter town from the Jensen side on Hwy. 40.

“ You have anybody traveling through without paying attention and they’re going to come up on the light very fast. I’d like to see some type of a warning device there telling people that that light is there.”

Watkins would like a flashing light to be placed on Hwy. 40 warning drivers of the upcoming light, and is working with the Department of Transportation to see about having one installed.

“You come around that corner, and there’s big trees there, and the speed factor, we really need to do something,” he says.

According to Watkins, the light was turned on last week, and within two hours they had their first accident. Although nobody was seriously injured, Watkins says he will continue working with DOT to resolve the issue.

The Uintah County Sheriff’s Office loaned Naples Police a speed trailer with a changeable sign, which sits around the turn from the stoplight, warning drivers to slow down.

“The sign’s just a temporary measure to get locals used to the new light,” Watkins says. “We need to get something permanent for people traveling through town.”

tdeans@vernal.com