SEEKONK - Selectmen have approved a signalized intersection instead of a roundabout at the corner of Fall River and Arcade avenues. The board has been reviewing options for the intersection, cited as one of the most dangerous in the state, for several months.

Last week, they chose a signalized intersection, one of three possible alternatives presented by the design firm Weston and Sampson.

The construction cost is estimated to be $2.25 million, according to traffic engineer David Cabral. The state has targeted this project for state aid allocation of $1 million. The remaining balance will be funded by the town.

Selectmen Chairman Robert Richardson said he wanted a lighted intersection at the site. Selectman Michael Brady said previously that he did not think a roundabout would work. The vote for the signalized intersection was unanimous.

"My feeling was that people traveling on Route 114A would continue at the same pace they were going without slowing down if there was a roundabout," Richardson said. "I was also concerned that emergency vehicles would not be able to make it through a roundabout," Richardson added.

Town officials anticipate that a design submission on the project will be sent to the state in the fall.

The new traffic light will stop traffic on Arcade Avenue and both ways on 114A. In the current plan, cars traveling down Mill Road from County Street will only be able to turn right after the light is installed.

Construction on the new intersection is not expected to begin until 2011.