Changes at a Perry County intersection where one person has died and dozens injured in recent years. Police hope a new route will prevent even more accidents.

Since 2000, police records show more than 100 wrecks have happened at the intersection of Highway 15 and 267, near Bonnyman. Nearly 90 people were injured in those accidents, and police and residents say they are happy to see something done about it.

Connie Holland lives just off of highway 267 and knows just how dangerous the intersection can be. "My father-in-law was turning left from highway 15," she says,
"and somebody rear-ended him and pushed him off to the side of the road, which is pretty much what happens down there a lot."

She and others in her community wanted to see things change. "I knocked on a lot of doors and complained a lot and tried to get the word out as much as I could because I saw first-hand, the accidents," Holland says.

The Transportation Cabinet decided to make a big change. Drivers now will only be able to make right handed turns, making traveling through the intersection much safer.

"There will be no left turns on to Kentucky 15," says Jennifer Sandlin, with Hazard KSP. State police say the they have seen too many accidents here and it's a change for the better.

"Just a small thing that they've done--it's going to probably protect people's lives and prevent injuries and collisions," Sandlin says.

A new road going under highway 15 allows drivers to make their needed connections safely, and also helps traffic flow. Holland says, "Just trying to get out of here at 8:00 in the morning to get to work--I live five minutes away--but I was having to leave like 20 minutes early in the morning."

Earlier this afternoon, crews were working to get the caution lights working at the intersection. Police say people need to be extra alert when driving in this area and pay close attention to the new signs.