Lightning strike snarls traffic in Saugus

SAUGUS – Lightning struck a traffic light control box on the corner of Walnut and Central streets in Saugus Tuesday night, knocking out the signals at the busy intersection.This, combined with a water main break on Route 1 north, wreaked havoc on the morning commute as drivers in Saugus had a rough time trying to get around town.?It affects the main intersection there,” said Department of Public Works Director Joe Attubato. “As far as I know there are no other issues that took place other than the water main break and the lightning strike.”The traffic lights were actually turned back on Tuesday night, but crews working on the box needed an extra part to finish the repair, and had to leave the light flashing red on Central Street and yellow on Walnut Street.Traffic moved along Walnut Street Wednesday morning, but cars were backed up on Central Street all the way to Mader Street.?I called right away and said, ?Hey what?s going on??” said Attubato, when he learned the light was still not fully operational. “I don?t want to pay twice for something. But they said it will hold traffic temporarily until they get a part.”The control box sits on the ground near the crosswalk, which makes it a tough target for lightning, which usually strikes objects higher in the air. Attubato said Tuesday?s strike was unusual.?I?m sure it?s happened in the past, but not recently in the last couple of years,” said Attubato.