Middle Georgia Technical College

Traffic Signal Dedicated in Honor of Billy Edenfield

Warner Robins - President Emeritus of Middle Georgia Technical College, Billy G. Edenfield, realized the fruits of his efforts Wednesday, October 8. After many years of lobbying Houston County for a traffic signal at Cohen Walker Drive and Houston Lake Road, he was finally able to celebrate his accomplishment.

Houston County officials and leaders from Middle Georgia Technical College gathered at the intersection of Houston Lake Road and Cohen Walker to honor Edenfield and dedicate the traffic signal to him. Edenfield was also able to flip the switch to officially enter the signal into service.

Tommy Stalnaker, director of Operations for Houston County, commented on Edenfield's efforts in getting the signal installed.

"Since Middle Georgia Tech moved to its current location over 10 years ago, Mr. Edenfield has fought to get a traffic signal installed at this intersection," said Stalnaker. "Today, he gets to see the fruits of his efforts to have a signal operating here."

Ned Sanders, chairman of the Houston County Commission, addressed Edenfield and praised him for his unending commitment to this project. In addition, Dr. Ivan Allen, president of Middle Georgia Technical College, commented on Edenfield's tireless efforts.

"Mr. Edenfield saw a great need for a traffic signal at this intersection," said Dr. Allen. "He was concerned not only for the safety of our students, but for the safety of the Houston County High students that travel this road every day. We are thankful for his perseverance and we are glad to have the Billy G. Edenfield traffic signal in operation."

According to a fact sheet provided by Houston County, the intersection at Cohen Walker Drive and Houston Lake Road has an annual traffic volume of over 625,000 vehicles per year. The daily traffic volume is over 14,000 cars.

Billy G. Edenfield served as president of Middle Georgia Technical College from December 1989 to February 2005.

Officials from Houston County and Middle Georgia Technical College gathered to celebrate the dedication of the Billy G. Edenfield Traffic Signal. Edenfield holds a sign given to him by Houston County to commemorate the event and is pictured with (left to right) Tommy Stalnaker, director of Operations for Houston County; Jeff Scruggs, MGTC vice president for Technology and Support Services; Craig Jackson, MGTC vice president for Student Affairs; Dr. Ivan Allen, MGTC president; Johnny Brooks, Houston County traffic engineer; Tom McMichael, Houston County Commissioner; Ned Sanders, Houston County Commission Chairman; and Jim Newton, MGTC vice president for Economic Development.