INDIAN TRAIL - One of Indian Trail’s most dangerous intersections got its traffic light, something that relieved Chris Labuda.

Politicians, N.C. Department of Transportation officials, police, first responders and area residents gathered at the intersection of Unionville-Indian Trail Road and Faith Church Road, where a traffic signal and turn lanes were installed. Mayors for Indian Trail and Lake Park lauded the project and said it would make the road much safer.

“It’s like a game of chicken,” Chris Labuda, an Arbor Glen resident, said about trying to drive past there at peak traffic hours. “This will make it a lot safer.”

Adam Lamb also lives near the intersection and said there is an accident there at least once a week.

“The key word here is gratitude,” Indian Trail Mayor John Quinn said during a 15-minute ceremony to commemorate the new signal. He thanked especially the police and first responders who know the intersection all too well.

“This is a good improvement,” said Hemby Bridge Fire Department Chief Johnny Blythe. “This is a heavy-traffic area where there have been several serious accidents.”

With all the new development in the area funneling traffic to U.S. Highway 74 through Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Blythe said the road has gotten far more dangerous in the past decade.

The light was still blinking red and yellow Monday afternoon; N.C. DOT district director John Underwood said it would be activated later this week or early next week, depending on weather conditions. The $600,000 project was funded with federal stimulus money.