Limestone motorists beware: The intersection of Nick Davis and Oakdale roads in east Athens will become a four-way stop Wednesday, weather permitting. Stop signs and rumble strips will be installed on Nick Davis, and the current flashing yellow caution light over the intersection will become red.

The intersection of Nick Davis and Oakdale roads in east Athens will become a four-way stop Wednesday, an official said.

Motorists should exercise extreme caution in the area as drivers learn to stop on Nick Davis, said Athens Public Works Director James Rich.

Currently, there are stop signs on the two Oakdale approaches but no stop signs on Nick Davis. A flashing yellow light over the intersection warns motorists of cross traffic.

Come Wednesday, the city will install stop signs on Nick Davis as well as rumble strips to warn drivers of the upcoming stop signs, Rich said. The overhead caution light will be changed from flashing yellow to flashing red, he said.

Rich has said the four-way stop is needed because there is a sag curve east of the intersection that limits sight distance and because accident data shows the neighborhood to the north of the intersection is developing.

The Alabama Department of Transportation recommended the change.

The improvement project was paid for with money from the Alabama Transportation and Rehabilitation Improvement Program, or ATRIP. Other intersections to transition to four-ways over the past five years include Mooresville and Pepper roads, Nick Davis and Pepper roads, and Capshaw and East Limestone roads.

The four-way was the best alternative to ensure traffic safety at the intersection; better than a $250,000-$400,000 roundabout and better than a $250,000 red light, Rich has said in the past. Both of the latter options would have exceeded the money allotted the city under ATRIP.