Dangerous Ozark intersection could be closed
Danny Tindell /
Motorists pass through the intersection of Camilla Ave and US 231 in Ozark Wednesday afternoon.
OZARK – A move that’s been discussed since the wreck that killed Dale County Football Coach Todd Horne last year might save lives in the future, city council members said on Tuesday.
Ozark Mayor Billy Blackwell told council members of a proposal to close the crossover on U.S. 231 at the Camilla Avenue intersection, near Wal-Mart.
Authorities said Horne was killed at the intersection in July when a 16-year-old Ariton boy failed to yield the right-of-way off Camilla.
It was not clear when a decision on closing the crossover would be made, though officials said the possibility must first be discussed with the state Department of Transportation.
“We had another accident there and I had a call of concern, so I asked Chief (Tony) Spivey and (Public Works Director) Steve (Price) to resurrect thoughts of what we need to do at the intersection. That is the recommendation we think will solve it — by either putting a Cul de sac on Camilla Avenue and stopping traffic at the Westview Heights Church, making it a one-way from there, or making it a right turn only,” Blackwell told council members.
Closing the crossover would also have challenges. Ozark Police Chief Tony Spivey said one inconvenience would be the number of vehicles coming off Camilla that would want to turn back south onto 231, which would cause a traffic back-up in the northbound lane.
A yearly total of accidents at the intersection was not available on Wednesday, but Spivey said most accidents there are attributed to either failure to yield the right-of-way or other driver negligence, like yielding the right-of-way but failing to assess the speed of the oncoming traffic on 231.
“A lot of cars pull over on the crossover going south and cars at a high rate of speed on 231 hit them. The speed limit there is 40 and a lot of the tickets officers write there are 60 to 70 miles an hour,” Spivey said.
“So as far as closing the crossover, I’d rather inconvenience people and save a life than not do anything at all.”
City Councilman Stanley Enfinger said closing the crossover might encourage drivers to go to a traffic light instead of driving from Camilla onto the highway.
“After the last fatality I have gotten a lot of calls from people concerned. A lot of them voiced a recommendation in closing it but just as many, especially people who live in that area, voiced not closing it,” he said.
“But if it’s safer to close it, then I’d rather save a life.”
Advertisement
Reader Reactions
I totally agree with “pjwnla”. The grass was entirely too high when this accident took place. The tall grass was a factor, no seat belts was a factor, and of course the speed was a factor. Closing it completely will not solve the problem, but something definitely has to be done.
Close the intersection? What! That is a terrible solution! You are saying that the intersection is the cause of the accident and not the DRIVER!
You can put those markings in the asphalt, put slower speed limit in the area - have police more in the area - but to close the intersection - that is just childish.
Accidents happen - the intersection needs to be kept up and more attention by the police, etc. Have an awareness campaign - put up signs by the area however you do NOT need to close it - you are throwing away city money!
If this is the decision-making process of the Ozark commissioners - the Ozark Citizens need to elect new officers (notice I did not say they needed to move)!
You are bigger than your circum-stances - not the other way around—Think your way out of it - but do not close the intersection!
I have lived in Ozark for 48 years born and raised here. I did not know either family personally involved in the accident that took Coach Horns life, however I will say this, that intersection and the one at Gilland has ALWAYS been a nightmare for accidents.I feel there is enough blame to go around here. The grass is never cut until something happens as did in this case. The coach was not wearing a seatbelt as his other passengers were. When the light above the crossing from Walmart turns Red, it’s like the race is on. Then you have four or five cars piled up in the median trying to cross and running out in front of you. Closing the road won’t work for the residents living there on both sides. Maybe a over pass would be more sufficent and the upkeep on the hiway. I feel sorry not only for the coaches family but for the young man who was involved. I don’t believe it was intentional it was an accident. He has to live with this the rest of his life, like I said there is enough blame here to go around.
Reduce the speed limit and enforce it and all set the example while drivng through what has now become a downtown area. From the dealership or south of it to the 27 intersection has been become a congested area that needs the limit reduced and enforced now during the slower traffic time now before the summer traffice picks up. The intersection needs to remain open as it feeds 3 churches and the residents.
the crossover at gilland chevrolet on 231 should also be closed instead of installing yet another traffic light on 231. there are too many lights between ozark and dothan. there are speed limits that can and should be enforced. the police as well as state troopers should also obey the posted limits when not on an emergency call.
News editor Christie Kulavich guides you to fun events happening in the Wiregrass.
Sports writer Drew Champlin writes about the latest sports news from Troy University.
Reporters Lance Griffin and Debbie Ingram write about latest news released on the country music development planned for Houston County.
Advertisement