72 INTERSECTION: Officials say signal should improve safety

Published 9:30 am Wednesday, May 29, 2019

A dangerous intersection in Limestone County will be getting a signal soon, an official with the Alabama Department of Transportation announced Friday.

Crews were to begin installing poles for the future signal on U.S. 72 at the intersection of Burgreen/Dupree Worthey roads this week. Drivers are urged to drive with caution in the work zone.

After the signal is in place, ALDOT will advise about plans to put it into operation.

The intersection has been the site of at least two deadly crashes in the past four years. In June 2018, Brandon Michael Bennett, 22, of Hazel Green, died after his 2005 Yamaha motorcycle collided with a 2014 Chevrolet Impala at the intersection of U.S. 72 and Burgreen Road. In February 2015, four people were killed in a crash at the same intersection.

ALDOT held a public meeting earlier this year to gather feedback from citizens about what should be done to improve safety. ALDOT spokesman Seth Burkett gave credit to House Speaker Mac McCutcheon for his assistance on the project.

“Having identified the need for a traffic signal, which was warranted based on traffic volumes at the intersection, we wanted to move forward with that quickly, using state funding,” said ALDOT spokesman Seth Burkett. “While a signal alone won’t address every concern, it’s the first step toward improving safety at this intersection. We’ve identified other potential safety improvements, and we intend to begin design on those and construct them as federal safety funding becomes available.”

Limestone County District 2 Commissioner Steve Turner acknowledged how dangerous the intersection is and said he was glad to see a signal being installed. His district will be responsible for maintaining the signal after it is activated.

He said some drivers may be aggravated by having to hit another traffic signal on their commute to Huntsville, but he believes lives are more important.

“It’s going to take some getting used to, but based on the past history (of the intersection), it will be well worth it,” he said.