Residents push for median barriers on Hwy. 231 in Troy

TROY, AL (WSFA) - Frances Campbell has a front row seat to the heavy traffic in front of her sister's produce stand south of Troy on Highway 231, and she says she saw something one day 5 years ago she never wants to see again.

It was the sudden and horrific death of a long time customer who was in the so-called "suicide turn lane."  A small weathered cross remains planted just off the highway nearby.

"She got hit by a truck  and the car exploded. We knew she was gone," Campbell said.

Highway 231 has seen more wrecks and fatalities. Three people were killed more than a week ago in a wreck, not too far from the produce stand. It was the third bad wreck in 6 months. Campbell says the time has long come for state highway officials to put up median barriers.

"People would be more careful. They would be more careful," she said.

The Alabama Department of Transportation says it's aware of the most recent crash and is waiting on the findings from state troopers before making a decision either way. Traffic records show most  accidents across the country are caused by speeding, distractions or environmental issues such as wet roads.

Troy police chief Randall Barr has seen his share of tragedies on this hilly stretch. While he doesn't believe median barriers would actually prevent vehicles from crossing over to other lanes, Barr thinks a barrier may have merit in terms of giving drivers more reaction time to a potential crash.

"You know that median gives you more distance between the opposing lanes of traffic," he said.

Around 13,000 motorists travel through this part of Highway 231 on a daily basis.

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