A new traffic light is hovering over the intersection of state Route 410 and Watson Street, but it will not be put into operation until next week.

The traffic light, which will control a busy intersection dominated by Safeway on one side and McDonald’s on the other, has been installed as part of a months-long project undertaken by the state Department of Transportation. It was included in the repaving of Griffin Avenue from High Point Street to Watson, a project that carried a total price tag of nearly $3.9 million.

The DOT website explains the traffic light is needed because traffic studies show a steady increase in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic since 2009. According to the website, the intersection “has now reached the point where a traffic signal with dedicated turn arrows onto SR 410 is needed to preserve safety.”

Kris Olson, a DOT spokeswoman, said the traffic light is scheduled for full operation in the days leading up to Christmas. The controller for the traffic light is now being tested, she said, and will likely be installed between Dec. 22 and 24. It will operate for a day with a flashing red light and then go into a full red-yellow-green cycle.