Magistrate warns: ‘Someone’s gonna get killed’

The intersection at Three Corners, the interchange between KY 326, Ninevah and Hammond roads, poses significant dangers to Anderson County residents trying to navigate a blind spot as they travel southwest from Ninevah Road to KY 326, according to Magistrate David Montgomery.  
County Judge-Executive John Wayne Conway met with members of the transportation committee and Kelly Baker, branch manager for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, on Nov. 13 to discuss possible solutions for drivers traveling through the Ninevah Road, KY 326 and Hammond Road interchange, also known as the Three Corners intersection.
“I’m just scared somebody’s gonna get killed there,” Montgomery, who gave examples of near misses he’s witnessed at the intersection, said.
The last time Three Corners was discussed in terms of updating safety was in the ‘80s, Conway said, though the intersection has been maintained in recent years such as cutting back brush for better visibility.
The committee discussed several options to make the intersection safer — including installing a four-way stop at Hammond and Ninevah Roads; bringing the intersection further south on Ninevah; or grading and leveling 15-20 feet of an embankment along KY 326 belonging to property owner Charlie Wilson.
Ultimately, Conway asked Baker to check with the Highway Cabinet as to where utility lines were located and the actual sight distance before moving forward with other, more expensive options. Conway also asked Baker to inquire about warning signs to be placed along the intersection.
Most complaints Conway says he receives about Three Corners are those residents attempting to turn left from KY 326 to Hammond Road, which connects through McCormick Lane to US 127 Bypass North.
There are about 1,200 drivers traveling through the intersection per day, according to Baker.
On the weekends, traffic picks up as drivers make their way to Lovers Leap Winery and to Ninevah Christian Church, which worships about 800 members on Sundays, Montgomery said.
A four-way stop at Hammond and Ninevah Roads would cost $107,000, according to an estimate by Baker. The price tag for a four-way stop would also include rebuilding sections of road, Baker said.
Excavating and cutting back the bank along KY 326 would cost an estimated $20,000-30,000, and could be done “in-house” by the Highway Cabinet, Baker said.
There was no estimated cost available for placing warning signs.
Montgomery said he’d rather get complaints and not get re-elected as magistrate than have someone be killed at that intersection.
“It’ll be a whole lot cheaper than someone’s life,” Montgomery said of safety solutions for the intersection.
No action was taken during the meeting.

Photo by Meaghan Downs

Magistrate David Montgomery says this blind spot in the curve where Ninevah Road and KY 326 merge is potentially dangerous for Anderson County drivers.

Buy this photo