Salem has solution for devilish intersection

The four-way, three-street junction of Hawthorne Boulevard, Congress Street, and Derby Street will get a traffic signal upon the recommendation of the Salem Police Department and numerous battered, bruised, and now-relieved residents.

Mayor Kim Driscoll approved the traffic light after a community meeting on Nov. 17.

The news is music to the ears of one of the city’s well-known residents. Charlie Padgett, cohost of “The Sandbox,’’ the popular morning show on WFNX-FM (101.7), has lived in Salem for about three years, since he arrived in the Boston area.

“It’s a disaster,’’ Padgett said. “It’s the SUVs and minivans, and the people driving in from places like Montreal to check out Salem in mid-October. That’s a problem. It’s almost like they don’t teach four-way stops in other states but here.’’

While technically a four-way stop, the intersection has some 11 lanes of traffic converging, making it a nightmare for drivers and pedestrians.

“I live within walking distance and have crossed it from basically every angle there is,’’ he said. “Part of me wants to pick up my kids and hold them up over my head when we go across, so they don’t get run over by a tourist in an SUV.’’

“This intersection has been a difficult one for many, many years. It has routinely been the site of accidents and constant close calls,’’ said Driscoll. “After a thorough analysis of the intersection it was clear that a traffic signal is necessary to make the area safer for vehicles and pedestrians.’’

Police are especially happy with the news.

“It’s been a long time coming,’’ said Salem Police Lieutenant Conrad Profniewski. “With 32 years on the department, I’ve really seen that intersection turn into something.’’

Whether you live in Salem or are just visiting, it’s hard to miss this intersection, which connects two main arteries through town. Whether you’re visiting The House of the Seven Gables, the Witch Museum, or the Salem Wax Museum, at some point you’ll have to traverse the intersection.

Profniewski said accidents are just too common there.

“Most of the accidents are fender-benders, but it’s just an unusual amount,’’ Profniewski said. “We’ve tried several strategies over the years, but I don’t think the intersection will be functioning safely until traffic signals are put there.’’

Some residents expressed skepticism about a traffic light, but their complaints were overshadowed by residents who had accidents in the intersection.

“An additional traffic light, particularly in Salem, certainly brings a healthy level of skepticism,’’ Driscoll said, “but in this case it is the only viable option to make the intersection safer to travel through.’’

Padgett said the traffic signal is a sign of progress for Salem, a city that the radio personality sees as full of unrealized promise.

“Now if only they can make Winter Island more awesome,’’ he said.

John M. Guilfoil can be reached at jguilfoil@globe.com