AMHERST, Va. – Flashing lights are coming to a dangerous stretch of highway in Amherst County, thanks to a $194,000 grant from VDOT. The new traffic pattern will be installed next year at the intersection of Highway 29 and Route 151. The county has been trying to find a solution after a number of crashes including one death. While some people have asked for a stoplight, VDOT officials say that's not possible when people are traveling 55 to 65 miles per hour.
"If you're moving at that speed and come upon that unexpected stoplight that could create some problems and some dangers within itself. So, we believe that these flashers will be workable,” said Paula Jones, the Lynchburg district communications manager for VDOT.
"This is a dangerous intersection and one that the county is looking forward to having more safety measures put in place at the intersection,” said Jeremy Bryant, director of zoning and planning for Amherst County.
VDOT says they will continue to study the intersection even after the project is complete.