Traffic light at Highway 49 intersection a welcome addition

Published 8:00 am Saturday, March 25, 2017

A year ago this month, the local community mourned the loss of Creekside Elementary music teacher Kathryn Poff, who was killed in a car accident at the intersection of Blandy Road and Highway 49.

The news of the popular and beloved teacher’s death impacted many throughout the community.

Sadly, it wasn’t the first accident at this heavily traveled intersection.

Two years ago on a busy morning, a car was struck as it turned off of the highway into the parking lot of Baldwin High School.  A mother and two young children were struck by a log truck.

Thankfully, they survived, but the busy location has been the site of other accidents as well, including the tragic loss of a BHS student a few years ago.

That’s why recent confirmation that a traffic light will be installed at the congested intersection is welcomed news.

The area sees a high volume of traffic since the intersection connects drivers to Baldwin High School and several other schools. Many have considered the intersection dangerous for some time now, but the installation of a new traffic light will hopefully alleviate congestion in the area and prevent future tragedies.

The Georgia Department of Transportation and the local school board have reached an agreement that will allow for the widening of a section of Highway 49 and the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection. This is part of a bigger project that will also include the addition of center and right turn lanes, moving from two lanes to four, along a 2.8-mile stretch of Highway 49 and the addition of sidewalks along the busy highway.

The intersection’s close proximity to the Baldwin athletic facilities, coupled with parents, school staff and young drivers traveling in and out of the area make for a very busy stretch of roadway.

According to those who knew her, Kathryn Poff had a thirst for teaching and had a passion for helping others. She touched the lives of her students and many around her. She is sorely missed.

Almost a year to the date of last year’s fatal wreck, we can at least find a little bit of solace in these efforts to improve safety along this busy stretch of roadway.