Evanston has run up more than $100,000 in storage fees for a new traffic light system that was supposed to be installed on Ridge Avenue a couple of years ago, Ald. Ann Rainey (8th) said.

“There is nothing we can do at this point,” Rainey said. “It’s over and done with. I believe that we have thrown over $100,000 down the drain.”

The project was put on hold after Northeast Evanston Historic District residents complained that the new mast-arm lights did not fit the character of the surrounding community. Residents opted for more traditional, post-top lights instead.

The system was part of a $1.86 million project to replace the traffic lights along Ridge Avenue, said David Jennings, Evanston’s director of public works. The city was supposed to pay for 20 percent of the project, with the state paying the rest.

Illinois requires traffic lights on state roads to have mast arms. Since Ridge Avenue is a state road, the state will have to transfer jurisdiction to the city in order for Evanston to install post-top traffic lights.