Safety lights installed at state routes 164 and 558
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COLUMBUS - Flashing lights have been installed on the four-way stop signs at the intersection of state routes 164 and 558.
State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-New Waterford) announced Wednesday the Ohio Department of Transportation District 11 installed flashing lights on the stop signs at the intersection of state routes 164 and 558. The intersection, located southeast of Leetonia in Fairfield Township, has been the site of serious collisions, and the upgrade follows concerns brought to her office by constituents throughout District 79 and Crestview Local School Superintendent Dan Hill.
Among those involved in a recent collision at the intersection was Maddie Long, a student at Crestview High School. Maddie is now in good condition and is using her experience to encourage drivers of all ages to stay alert, avoid distractions, and keep their attention on the road.
"I have lived on 558 since 2015, and even before I was able to drive, my parents would warn me about the four-way intersection near my house, and I can't even recall the countless wrecks that I have heard about and seen. When the stop signs were installed, I was hopeful it would cause fewer accidents and make that intersection safer, but I fear it created confusion, and with that confusion came more accidents," said Maddie. "As I heal from my accident, I'm happy to know there's a silver lining in all this: my experience will prevent other people from being hurt at this intersection. By implementing flashing lights on these stop signs, drivers will be more aware and, hopefully, the number of terrible accidents that have occurred in this area will decrease."
"Safety has to remain a priority, especially when we are talking about an intersection that so many of our students, families and community members travel every day," said Hill. "I appreciate Representative Blasdel listening to the concerns of our community and working with ODOT to bring additional safety measures to this intersection. I am also extremely proud of Maddie for taking a difficult experience and using it to remind others about the importance of being alert and responsible behind the wheel."
On May 18, ODOT converted the intersection from a two-way stop, where only state Route 558 traffic was required to stop, to an all-way stop. State traffic records show at least nine crashes were reported at or near the intersection between 2020 and 2024. After residents contacted her office with concerns about crashes and near-misses as drivers adjusted to the new traffic pattern, Blasdel's office coordinated with ODOT District 11 to review the location. The flashing lights will increase the visibility of the stop signs and alert drivers approaching the intersection.
"Safety is my top priority. Our student drivers and every family in our community deserves to feel safe on the roads they travel every day," said Robb Blasdel. "I want to thank Superintendent Dan Hill and constituents who took the time to reach out, for Crestview student Maddie Long for bravely sharing her story to raise awareness of the intersection, and ODOT District 11 for their responsiveness in addressing this issue. The director and crew listened to our community's concerns and acted quickly to make this intersection safer."