Generator powering Cedar Rapids traffic lights stolen

Thieves took a generator powering a traffic signal in the middle of the night, officials said Tuesday.

The portable generator was put into operation Monday afternoon at the intersection of Cottage Grove Avenue and 34th Street SE. Crews put up the temporary traffic signal for safety reasons and to improve traffic flow.

More traffic is in the area this week because of the detour created by construction on the East Post Road SE bridge over Indian Creek. The detour is expected to last seven to eight months. When the construction is done, the signal will be removed.

According to the police report, the generator was taken between 9 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m. Tuesday. A chain had been securing it, but everything was gone by Tuesday, police said. With the generator stolen, the traffic signal was dark Tuesday morning.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 1-800-CR-CRIME or (319) 286-5491.