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Almost three months have passed since the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) installed a four-way stop at the Hwy. 7/315 intersection at the bypass, and there is good news to share. Water Valley Police Chief Jason Mangrum reported his department has not worked a single vehicle wreck at the bypass intersection since MDOT changed the intersection to a four-way stop on March 21. The chief estimated there was an average of one wreck at the intersection per month before the change.
The bad news is that motorists traveling north and south on Hwy. 7 are still acclimating to having to stop at the intersection. There have also been some near misses, as a visibly-shaken subscriber shared last week after an 18-wheeler never checked up at the intersection. Her concern is more signage alerting motorists to the four-way stop is needed.
I am certainly no traffic expert, but I have also seen some near misses. Sometimes the drivers never check up and other times they may realize halfway through the interchange when it is too late to stop. If you look close, sometimes you can see that weird look on their face when they realize they should have stopped. I’m not sure what the answer is, but it is important to share this information and get input from others.
Chief Mangrum reported that officers continue extra enforcement at the intersection. At times officers used marked police cruisers parked at the intersection and easily visible to motorists as a reminder they are monitoring the bypass intersection. Other times officers use unmarked police vehicles. The stealth is important, it allows officers to get an accurate assessment of vehicles that stop and others that do not, as well as make traffic stops.
He said officers have also experienced near misses, both on-duty and off-duty, and extra enforcement continues at the intersection.
The chief also noted that his officers have issued countless warnings and citations since the four-way was installed. He reports that extra enforcement will continue, especially during high-traffic periods. Meanwhile let us know what you think about MDOT adding more warnings alerting motorists of the change.
