Waco, TX – The intersection of U.S. Hwy 77 and Texas 320 has become a focal point of concern for residents in the small town of Lott. Over the past two years, there have been 20 reported crashes at the location, raising alarms about safety and the need for intervention.
Local residents, including Mark Hayslip, have voiced their worries over the frequent accidents. Hayslip, who works at a nearby auto repair shop, said the area sees crashes “at least two a month, if not more.” He described the accidents as ranging from minor fender-benders to more serious incidents, with some resulting in significant damage.
“There’s a lot of confusion about what’s supposed to be happening here at this intersection,” Hayslip noted, referring to the unclear signage and traffic patterns that may be contributing to the crashes. Many of the town’s residents share similar concerns, fearing that the intersection’s layout and limited visibility may be increasing the risk of accidents.
In response to these ongoing safety issues, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has confirmed plans to address the concerns by adding additional lighting to the intersection. TxDOT officials believe improved lighting will help increase visibility, especially at night, when accidents are more likely to occur.
While TxDOT’s plans to improve the intersection’s visibility are a positive step forward, many residents remain hopeful that further measures, such as clearer signage or traffic signal adjustments, may also be considered in the future to prevent further accidents.
As the community continues to grapple with the frequent crashes at the intersection, the upcoming changes offer a sense of hope that safety will be prioritized in the months to come.