Ants stop traffic in Visalia

VISALIA, Calif. -- An intersection in Visalia has been flashing red for weeks. The city says it's because of ants.

The city says ants have chewed the insulation on the wires at the intersection of Court Street and Tulare Avenue.

The lights were flashing red as part of a construction project, but when the work ended, the lights still didn't operate correctly.

A company hired by the city is coming October 1st to drill into the road. They'll create a spot for new wiring, then an electrician will install new bundled wiring.

The city doesn't know yet how much repairs will cost but officials believe that will solve the ant problem.

We're told this isn't the first time they've had this problem, but that the bundled wiring seems to keep ants away.

Watch the video for extended coverage from Action News reporter Kate Valentine.