I am writing in regards to the article in the Saturday, July 11 edition about the planned overhaul on Hwy. 45 at the intersection of Mike Parra and Gatlin Roads. I am proud of Melissa Jenkins for taking a stand and working so hard to get something done to make that intersection safer after losing her 23-year-old son, Nick, there last year. I have lived in the area for 30 years and something should have been done years ago to make it safer.

While MDOT is planning a RCUT there, I don’t think that is the best option. There are several school buses that go down Mike Parra and Gatlin Roads. I’m concerned they won’t be able to safely maneuver a u-turn.

This morning I saw a sign saying a Shell truck stop is coming soon on the corner of Gatlin Road and Hwy. 45 next to the Dollar General. That means even more traffic at that intersection and trucks won’t be able to maneuver a u-turn either.

While I will agree anything to make the intersection safer is very much needed and appreciated, a RCUT is not the answer. I feel like it would be more expensive than putting a up a red light. I would love to see a red light with a warning light before approaching the red light like the one they have at the intersection of Hwy. 45 and Hamilton Road.

Tina Perry

Columbus