Choctaw County District 3 Supervisor Chris McIntire met with Transportation Commissioner Mike Tagert, on Tuesday, November 20 to discuss solutions to the traffic accident problem at the intersection of the Natchez Trace and Hwy. 413.
McIntire pointed out that according to statistics this is the most dangerous intersection on the Natchez Trace, and although he is not aware of any fatalities at the location, there have been accidents resulting in serious injuries.
At the meeting with McIntire and Tagert were MDOT District Engineer Mark Holley and State Representative Joey Hood. McIntire noted that in the past there have been discussions of an overpass and a by-pass at the location, which would be very costly and time consuming, and he believes there is an easier, less expensive solution for making the intersection safer.
Holley pointed out that the least expensive and least intrusive solution might be to use a slotted curb to guide motorists into the intersection and give them a good line of sight to the north.
The slotted curb would only cost approximately $2K and could be installed within a day, and could also use reflectors for higher visibility at night. Tagert added that the Natchez Trace holds the right-of-way at the intersection, but does not think it will be very difficult to obtain permission for the slotted curb.
