Wayne County sheriff announces new safety measures for US 27/Pottershop Road intersection
Wayne County sheriff announces new safety measures for US 27/Pottershop Road intersection
The intersection of U.S. 27 and Pottershop Road, or Old Indiana 122, has been the scene of 18 crashes in the past five years, resulting in 24 injuries and a death. Authorities hope new changes to the intersection will prevent more crashes.
The intersection of U.S. 27 and Pottershop Road, or Old Indiana 122, has been the scene of 18 crashes in the past five years, resulting in 24 injuries and a death. Authorities hope new changes to the intersection will prevent more crashes.
A week after a crash at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Pottershop Road killed one and injured three others, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office has announced new safety measures there.
The changes come after Sheriff Randy Retter, with public safety and health-care partners, compiled crash data from the intersection in the past five years and identified 18 crashes, 24 injuries and one death.
A news release also said that of the injuries, 54% came from westbound vehicles failing to yield to traffic on U.S. 27, where vehicles do not stop.
Last week, 60-year-old Nannie Byrd from Manchester, Ky., died, two juveniles were treated at Reid Health for minor injuries, and 68-year-old Troy Byrd of Manchester, Ky., was taken to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, for “significant injuries.”
“These crashes have a terrible and lasting impact on the individuals and families involved,” Retter said in the release. “Our deepest condolences go out to the family affected by the recent fatality, and we extend our heartfelt concern to those who have suffered serious injuries at this intersection.”
The changes, which were already being planned by the Indiana Department of Transportation but were expedited after concerns were made by state Sen. Jeff Raatz and members of the community (including the coroner), includes the installation of blinking stop signs for eastbound and westbound traffic on Pottershop Road and the placement of “Intersection Ahead” warning signs for northbound and southbound drivers on U.S. 27.
The release adds that the changes are part of the sheriff’s office’s Safe Roads Initiative, “which aims to identify problem areas on roadways across Wayne County and implement solutions to reduce hazards.”
“I am grateful for Senator Raatz’s assistance and the support of all those who contributed to this effort, including Reid Health, our local fire departments, Wayne County Commissioners and our dispatch team,” Retter said in the post. “This is a great example of how collaboration can lead to meaningful change.”
