T-DOT began installing a four-way stop at the Highway 70 and Old Kentucky Road intersection in White County Monday.
White County Emergency Management Director Matt McBride said the intersection has a history of motor vehicle crashes. McBride said the number of accidents at the intersection has increased over the past few years, as it is not designed to handle the amount of population growth that the area has seen.
“You know, I think this is probably T-DOT’s first step in trying to mitigate this hazard and this situation that we are dealing with at this location,” McBride said.
T-DOT will reduce speed limits approaching the intersection and install buzz strips, STOPAHEAD pavement markings, and stop signs. McBride warns drivers to be aware of driving through the intersection over the next two to three days as the four-way stop is installed.
“Just be cautious going through there,” McBride said. “It’s congested, there’s two or three or four businesses there along with a Dollar General franchise also very close to that area, and then a lot of residential area. School is back in this week, so we just ask people when they start to get into that area, allow yourself plenty of time to look both ways and check both ways again.”
The existing overhead flashing beacon will remain in place, with the amber lights on US 70 being changed to red to reflect the new traffic pattern. Flagging operations will be in place during installation, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol will be on-site to assist with traffic control. McBride said the county has sent out media alerts to let people know about the intersection change.
McBride said the intersection change will be something locals will have to get used to.
“I’ve lived in White County my whole life, and never has that intersection ever been a four-way change,” McBride said. “So not only will it be a change for the locals, it will also be a change for the people that has newly relocated to White County and the surrounding area also.”
McBride said he is unsure how long it will take T-DOT to complete the four-way stop.