WALTON, Ky. — The Kentucky Transportation Cupboard is conducting two separate research to seek out options to a problematic intersection in Walton the place two folks died in a crash earlier this month.
The crash close to the intersection of U.S. 42 and Beaver Highway additionally despatched a dump truck into Boonedocks Pub and Grub, the place six folks had been sitting inside. All six walked away unhurt.
We have since reported that intersection was the location of 24 extra crashes within the final 5 years, leading to 14 accidents and two deaths.
WCPO
Olivia Schlueter watches over the notorious intersection every shift she works on the Beaverlick Buying and selling submit.
“It is positively very scary. Like, I drive right here on a regular basis,” Schlueter mentioned.
KYTC officers mentioned the research would encompass a velocity research between Richwood Highway (KY 338) and Cleek Lane, and a sign research on the intersection. They mentioned engineers would conduct visitors counts and overview crash historical past and forms of crashes to find out the perfect steps ahead.
The announcement from the state board comes the identical day Boone County hosts its first open discussion board welcoming folks to weigh in on a county-wide transportation plan that may information engineers on the whole lot transportation for years to return.
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Allison Langford got here to the open discussion board to listen to any plans for enhancements close to Boonedocks. She mentioned she and her daughter had been hit by a van crossing the intersection 21 years in the past.
“We simply give all glory to God for safeguarding our lives that day,” Langford mentioned. “We did not have a scratch on us.”
Langford known as the state’s earlier efforts to make the intersection safer “band-aid” options.
KYTC officers additionally offered us with an inventory of enhancements crews have made to the intersection just lately:
- Relocated intersection warning beacons with reflective properties to extend visibility
- Put in outsized cease indicators on the intersection
- Eliminated some shrubs and tree branches to enhance sight distance
- Accomplished excessive friction floor therapy on U.S. Route 42
We took Langford and Schlueter’s issues to Boone County Engineer Robert Franksman on the open home. He mentioned listening to all citizen issues was key to bettering security at choke factors throughout the county.
“We need to hear about it, proper? So we have now an opportunity to make a change earlier than one thing like that may occur once more,” Franksman mentioned.
Once we requested whether or not the research alongside U.S. 42 close to Beaver Highway would make a distinction, Franksman mentioned all of it trusted what the findings had been.
“As an engineer, it is all data-driven,” he mentioned. “I believe I would depend on no matter information they’ve are available. They’re the consultants on their very own amenities.”
Schlueter supported the concept of a stoplight being positioned on the intersection.
Langford, nevertheless, did not consider something could possibly be accomplished to make the intersection secure as a result of the hills on U.S. 42 on each side are too steep for giant vans to return to a cease at a lightweight.
“I believe the repair is to shut these two facet roads at that time, proper in that dip, after which reroute these two roads,” she mentioned.
Whereas she acknowledged that her resolution could be costly and time-consuming, Langford felt it might save lives.
“Since my life was spared, and I am an individual that may stroll and speak, I am prepared to do no matter it takes,” she mentioned.
Boone County is planning a sequence of open homes, digital city halls and listening periods as they replace their transportation plan. It was final up to date in 2017.
KYTC mentioned the velocity and sign research on U.S. 42 ought to take 4 to 6 weeks to finish.
