ROUTE 35 Putnam Countians Find New Dangers on New Road
Reported by: Rudi Raynes
Videographer: Jerry Criner
Web Producer: Rudi Raynes
July 6, 2009 10:36pm
Eyewitness News Photo
It's been less than a month since the new Route 35 has opened and we've already seen a tractor trailer accident and a fatality. Now people who had doubts about the new road being safe are more on edge than ever.
"I find many of the stops confusing." says Breann Henson, of Winfield.
Henson says she's already had a close call.
"There are no signs at Buffalo Bridge. I had two cars behind me and I almost caused a wreck." says Henson.
She says the immediate change from two lanes to one around the bridge is confusing but, it's not the only thing on Route 35 causing worries.
Linda Morris of Buffalo says, "(At) Hurricane Creek there's an intersection where you go through four lanes of traffic and there's no stoplight."
Although Putnam Countians say they're very thankful for the new road, it does present its new dangers, just like trying to cross four lanes of traffic at the Hurricane Creek interchange.
Putnam County Sheriff, Mark Smith says he saw Wilma Leslie just a few days before her death at the intersection.
"We knew we'd probably have some accidents on the new road, but to have a fatality this quick and it be someone you know is a pretty bad thing." says Smith.
And members of the Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department say they're worried they may be answering more accident calls on Route 35 if something isn't changed.
Firefighter, Angela Whittington, says,"There will be more. It's dangerous. It makes things more accessible, but it's too dangerous.
Mark Smith says they haven't had any talks with the Division of Highways since Wilma Leslie's accident but he's sure there will be discussions in the future about stoplights and more reflectors and signs.
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