New traffic lights at busy area intersection

El Paso County workers activated new street lights Monday at a county intersection with a history of accidents.

Cars driving on Marksheffel Road and Fontaine Boulevard began using the new lights as soon as they were activated Monday at noon. Most cars followed the new rules, but a couple ran a red light within the first hour of the activation.

There have been several accidents at the site, including three fatal ones in past years. County Commissioner Dennis Hisey said this change had been a long time coming. Previous attempts at improvements didn’t work. He said after the latest fatality a year ago, it was time to move forward.

Now, the biggest concern for Hisey is making sure drivers get used to the traffic lights. He said once they do, the county will have solved the problem.