A busy intersection in Lisbon is in need of some repairs.

The traffic detention loop at the Route 196, Route 9 and high school intersection is broken, and is causing issues with traffic. The town of Lisbon, in a press release, said the broken loop is causing higher than average traffic delays during the morning commute hours. The issue was discussion at the town’s last council meeting, and there may be a couple of options for replacing the technology.

According to Lisbon Public Works Director Ryan Leighton, the town is currently waiting to hear from a traffic signal contractor about the pricing of replacements. Leighton noted the town has installed newer technology with traffic cameras, which could be an option at the intersection.

“We’re waiting to hear back right now,” Leighton said, “but it could be cameras or a replacement for the loop — if a replacement piece exists.”

The traffic detection loop is an older technology. At the council meeting, the light was determined to be a convenience and safety issue with the high school nearby. Police Chief Marc Hagan expressed concern about the high school, because drivers may not be alert to students as they try to get through the light.

The town has also been in discussions with the Maine Department of Transportation about improvements to the intersection, according to Leighton. The town would be responsible for at least 10 percent of the cost in a project planned over the summer. However, town councilors expressed a need to fix the light and pay for the cost before the proposed project takes place.

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