Gilland intersection work in Ozark soon complete

OZARK — Officials say the installation of traffic signals at a dangerous Ozark intersection could happen any day now.

Wiregrass Construction started on improvements at the intersection of U.S. 231 and Lakeview Road in January. The $1 million Alabama Department of
Transportation project will include the installation of a traffic signal near Gilland Chevrolet Pontiac GMC.

The project was expected to be completed last month, but rain contributed to the delay and extension of some one-lane traffic along U.S. 231.

“Now it’s just a matter of getting all the equipment in to install, and that could be any day now,” Ozark Mayor Billy Blackwell said.

Ozark officials had sought for at least five years to bring a signal to the intersection. More than 40 wrecks occurred at the intersection last year alone, according to authorities.

ALDOT officials had said funding for the intersection’s improvements in the past had been pushed to other projects throughout the state.

In addition that project, Blackwell said he is waiting on word from ALDOT on whether the Camilla Avenue/U.S. 231 crossover would be closed.

Blackwell said ALDOT agreed to take on the project in June.

Dale County High School Head Football Coach Todd Horne died after a wreck at the intersection last July, when authorities said a 16-year-old boy failed to yield the right-of-way.

Estimated speeds there are more than 60 miles per hour, Ozark Police Chief Tony Spivey said.

The posted speed limit is 40 miles per hour.