MAGNOLIA SPRINGS, Ala. - There is a possibility a traffic light may be placed at the U.S. Highway 98 and Magnolia Springs Highway intersection, depending on the results of a traffic study requested by the town of Magnolia Springs to the Alabama Department of Transportation.

Magnolia Springs Highway — also called County Road 49 — intersects with U.S. 98 inbetween the Pure and Shell gas stations; and the Magnolia Springs Town Council discussed at the June 21 work session different ways to slow down vehicle speeds and reduce traffic congestion at the intersection, fearing a major accident could happen if no action is taken.

"I'm afraid sooner or later we're going to have a major accident," Mayor Charles Houser said at the work session, noting he almost got into two accidents recently at the intersection. "I think it's a big enough issue where we should consider it."

Councilman Ken Underwood said he avoids the intersection when leaving town.

"I don't think anyone would say it's not a safety issue," Underwood said.

The council agreed at Tuesday's meeting to allow Houser to send a request for a study to ALDOT. The study would provide information regarding how many vehicles pass the intersection going east and west along Highway 98 and how many vehicles turn onto Highway 98 from Magnolia Springs Highway.

Cars are getting stacked up on Magnolia Springs Highway due to the high amount of cars passing along Highway 98, Houser said, and it could lead to a dangerous decision.

"With traffic backing up at that intersection, people have more tendency to make a move that might be dangerous," Houser said via telephone interview, also noting around 80 percent of vehicles going through the intersection are speeding and a traffic light would combat high speeds.

According to Houser, there would be a separate vote by the council if a traffic light is recommended and considered for the intersection.

The council also discussed at the work session how the potential light would be paid for, and Underwood said the town would pay for half. Houser said traffic lights cost around $100,000 last time the council looked into purchasing one, which was a couple years ago.