Just a few months shy of a year since a Junction City teen was killed at the intersection of U.S. 127 and Shelby Street, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has approved a plan from Kentucky Utilities to place lights at the intersection in an effort to light up the crosswalk.

“I think it’s wonderful. I think we’re finally making progress,” said Steve Knight, father of the teen, John Knight, who was hit by a car while crossing with friends on July 14, 2016.

Junction City Mayor Jim Douglas and city council member Hershel Fletcher explained the process to council members during Thursday’s meeting. It was delayed, they said, because it initially used 400 watts bulbs. It was reduced to 200, the same as along Shelby Street in the city.

According to Natasha Lacy, information officer for the Kentucky Transportation Office, 200 watts is the brightest bulb permitted for street lighting. She said the plan had been approved.

Cliff Feltham, statewide media relations manager with Kentucky Utilities, said they were not aware the plan had been approved yet, but believed it would be coming soon.

When the the approval is received, he said, it likely won’t take long to get the lights put up.

“We can do the install relatively quickly,” Feltham said, and said they could likely get them up in five to seven business days — probably in the next few weeks.

Knight said his family was pleased to hear that the lights were going up soon.

“It’s going to benefit, not just the community, but everyone who drives through that intersection,” he said. “It’s a good thing, for sure.”