Photo by: Phill Attinger
An intersection recently modified to improve safety saw a crash again on Monday.
At least one person was transported, but no one was killed, according to information from the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, via dispatch reports.
The crash did, however, bottleneck northbound traffic on U.S. 27 at Whisper Circle from the time of the crash — just before 9:42 a.m. — until a Florida Highway Patrol trooper finished the initial investigation and towing services cleared the wrecked vehicles.
Fire engines from Stations 7 and 9 cleared the scene by 10:23 a.m., sheriff’s officials said.
The crash involved two cars, and their final position and damage did not indicate clearly which vehicle was traveling which direction. Both had significant front-end damage:
– A white Toyota Corolla sedan had come to a stop facing due east, partly in the inside lane and partly in the left-hand turn lane for traffic heading southbound and turning onto Whisper Circle.
– A greenish-gray Chevrolet Avalanche-style pickup came to a rest also facing east, but on the outbound side of the Whisper Circle entrance/exit.
Recent change
The intersection very recently underwent an alteration to prevent vehicles from attempting left-hand turns from side streets, preventing them from crossing oncoming traffic on one side of the highway and stacking in the median to join traffic on the other side.
In the first week of May, Florida Department of Transportation crews installed flexible delineators in the median crossover at Whisper Circle and at least four other crossovers on U.S. 27.
Delineators are flexible plastic reflective sticks used to close off intersections to crossover traffic. They will provide a temporary closure until crews can pour new concrete to define the turn lanes.
The idea is to allow only left-hand turns for traffic leaving the highway and not for any traffic entering the highway. Anyone wanting to turn left onto U.S. 27 would have to make a right-hand turn first, and then make a U-turn further down the road.
Delineators provide a temporary solution. Eventually, FDOT may work with county officials and/or road crews to permanently close those intersections to crossover traffic with new curbing.
The Highlands News-Sun contacted officials with the Bartow office of FDOT District 1. They said they did not know off-hand where that project falls in the FDOT Five-Year Plan, but would check with planners to find out.
Car accidents can lead to serious injuries and complex legal battles. At Ovadia Law Group, our experienced attorneys specialize in car accident cases and are committed to securing justice for our clients. We understand the physical and emotional toll an accident can take and are here to alleviate your burdens. Our team conducts a comprehensive investigation, gathers critical evidence, and builds a strong case to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. With a proven track record of success, Ovadia Law Group is your trusted advocate in the aftermath of a car accident. Reach out to us at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation and let us help you achieve the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Source: midfloridanewspapers
