It often takes traffic fatalities to call the attention of the Alabama Department of Transportation to a dangerous road.

But on one stretch along U.S. Highway 72 in Limestone County, seven people have died in three years (as many as 15 in the past dozen years) and no one has done anything other than talk about the problem, do a few studies and post a few signs.

In 2005, following the December 2004 deaths of Athens State University professor Jenita Smith, Nicole Cardwell and Cardwell’s 5-year-old daughter Ciara May, state officials and legislators publicized the idea of making U.S. 72 five lanes from the west side of Athens to the Limestone/Lauderdale county line. That would add a turn lane along the entire 15-mile stretch and help prevent head-on collisions in the area.

In addition, more State Troopers were assigned to the area to stop speeders. Signs admonishing drivers to travel at 45 mph when raining are sprinkled along the route.

Today, the plan to widen U.S. 72 still exists only in the minds of public officials.

Gov. Bob Riley said previously planning a project of this scope could take 2 1/2 years. There’s been enough time for planning. How long until action is taken?

The deaths of Selina Gilbert and Tiara Gilbert earlier this month brought renewed outcries from residents, who, in 2005 gathered 1,700 signatures on a petition asking for help from the state to make the road safer.

Troopers continue to write traffic tickets — nearly 8,000 since the first of the year.

While speed is often a contributing factor in wrecks on that stretch of highway and people need to take responsibility and slow down, the high number of deaths should make it obvious that the road itself poses safety hazards.

Adding a turn lane to the road would help, but a guardrail should also be considered. A concrete barrier would not take two years to plan and install and would offer a quicker measure to help ensure safety.

State Department of Transportation officials should act now. The people of Limestone County aren’t wondering if another accident will occur there, they are waiting to see when it will occur.

And whose family will be grieving.