HUNTINGTON -- Huntington City Council unanimously approved a contract to install a new computerized traffic signal system at 57 intersections in the city during its Monday night meeting.

The West Virginia Department of Transportation will replace the aging control system and switch to energy-efficient LED lights. The lights are expected to cut the city's operating costs by as much as $250,000 a year, improve traffic flow and reduce emissions.

Councilman Mark Bates said the effects of the new traffic signal system will be felt by everyone who drives in Huntington.

"There's nothing more frustrating than to come into town and you get stopped at every light and there's no one coming the other way," Bates said. "I think the overall impact will make the city more visitor-friendly."

The project will be funded by a $4.2 million federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant. The 57 intersections that will be upgraded are between 3rd and 7th avenues from 5th to 29th streets.

Bates said the system used to be synched and allowed for easy traveling. This new system should help solve commuter headaches.

"Years ago, when the system was synched, if you got the green light at 29th Street, in all likelihood, you could go all the way to 8th Street and not hit a red light," Bates said.

Councilman Russell Houck was absent from the meeting.

Here is a list of other things discussed at Monday's meeting:

PAUL AMBROSE TRAIL FOR HEALTH: The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing an $813,200 grant contract for the construction of several sections of the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health.

The sections include a 7,000-foot stretch from 14th Street West to 28th Street West, an 8,100-foot section along Fourpole Creek in Huntington's West End and sections along Riverside Drive near Guyandotte and between 28th Street West and East Road.

The 26-mile trail will connect existing pathways to newly constructed walkways and some special bicycle lanes on Huntington streets. The finished project will connect all of the city's parks to each other and its three largest employers, Cabell Huntington Hospital, St. Mary's Medical Center and Marshall University.

OLD MAIN CORRIDOR: The council unanimously approved a resolution receiving a $250,000 Transportation Enhancement Program grant for the third phase of the Old Main Corridor.

The grant will allow the city to replace old sidewalks and install decorative lighting on 4th Avenue between 13th and 14th streets. Construction will start this summer, according to Mayor Kim Wolfe.

DILAPIDATED HOUSING: The council read an ordinance for the first time that authorizes a contract for boarding up dilapidated homes.

The two-year contract would be awarded to Capital Builders of Huntington for $6.10 per square foot.

There are 155 homes on the city's demolition list now, but the city only has enough demolition funding (about $200,000 annually) to tear down 20 to 25 homes a year.

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