Update on Park & Seventh

A new signal box and the base of a lamp post are evidence of the 5 a.m. accident that snarled Park Avenue traffic for about five hours Monday (Nov. 26, 2007).

Police Chief Edward Santiago said the new signal box cost about $10,000 and the city's Signal Bureau had it fixed by noon. The PSE&G street lamp has not yet been repaired.

Police collected pieces of a vehicle that apparently caused the destruction, but Santiago said the type of vehicle was not known as of Monday afternoon.

Here's a close-up of the light stanchion base. The city has ornamental period lamps north of the intersection, but none were damaged. By late afternoon, a displaced wrought iron waste receptacle was back in place and the corner had been tidied up.

Authorities promised an update on the type of vehicle involved as soon as details are available.

Many people see the Signal Bureau hanging banners and putting up holiday lights, but this is the vital kind of work they do the keep regional traffic moving through the city. Hats off to the Signal Bureau!

--Bernice Paglia