PORTAGE | There is a project on the books to lessen traffic congestion at the intersection of Central Avenue and Airport Road.

But drivers might have to wait a while because there's no local funding to complete the project.

Portage Police Sgt. Ross Haynes, a member of the city's Traffic Commission, called congestion at the intersection "atrocious" last week and asked what could be done to alleviate the problem.

At some times during the day, usually in the late afternoon, eastbound traffic on Central Avenue can back up as far as Hamstrom Road as drivers take turns at the intersection controlled by a three-way stop sign.

"It needs to be addressed now. People are cutting through subdivisions," said Haynes.

Director of Public Works Craig Hendrix, also a commission member, said there is a plan in the works to improve Central Avenue eastward from Hamstrom Road to approximately Churchview Drive. That section of Central Avenue is now only one lane each way. It would be expanded to match Central Avenue to the west of Hamstrom Road.

The city is scheduled to receive $1.4 million in federal funding next year for the project, said Hendrix, but the city is required to come up with a local match and engineering funds. The local share could total $500,000, he said, and it is money the city simply doesn't have.

"I don't foresee it being built next year," said Hendrix.

Haynes suggested the city look at installing a temporary traffic signal at the intersection.

Hendrix said the stop sign is actually more efficient in maintaining traffic flow.