The intersection of Highway 515 and Georgia 325 was named in Sydnie Jones’ honor earlier this year, and now the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has announced a significant safety upgrade for the crossroads.
Jones passed away January 22 following injuries she received in a crash at the intersection January 12. She was a passenger in a car attempting to turn left onto Georgia 325 from Highway 515, crossing the westbound lane of traffic.
The car she was riding in was struck by a westbound pickup truck.
Jones, of Morganton, was only 19 years old.
Her untimely death prompted a resolution in the Georgia House of Representatives naming the intersection the “Sydnie Grace Jones Memorial Intersection.”
That resolution was signed by Governor Brian Kemp April 29, having been sponsored by state Representative Stan Gunter, state Senator Steve Gooch, and Speaker of the House David Ralston.
The purpose of the resolution was “honoring the life and memory of Sydnie Grace Jones.” It also stated, “The State of Georgia lost one of its most promising young citizens with (Jones’) tragic passing.
“A compassionate and generous young woman, Ms. Jones will long be remembered for her love of family and friendship, and this loyal daughter, granddaughter, and friend will be missed by all who had the
great fortune of knowing her.”
Following the crash, a petition was started to install a traffic light at the intersection.
Sydnie’s mother, Melinda Jones, said, “Sydnie would want us to pursue more safety precautions,” at the intersection.
And while a traffic light is not going to be installed, GDOT has confirmed a major improvement is planned for the intersection.
Jason Dykes, GDOT District 1 supervisor, said last week the state transportation department looked at putting a traffic signal at the intersection, but it “didn’t meet the requirements to put in a signal.”
Instead, the intersection will be upgraded to a restricted crossing U-turn configuration. This will include a concrete island in the median of Highway 515 to help separate lanes of traffic.
Dykes explained that cars approaching Highway 515 on State Route 325 (Nottely Dam Road) will no longer be able to make a left turn east, toward Blairsville. Instead, they will turn west (right) for a short distance to the point where a U-turn will be constructed, allowing a safe alternative to turning back east.
Dykes said, “Crossing the median is what causes a lot of the safety issues” at the intersection.
Advertising for bids for the work is expected to be put out within the next two weeks, and Dykes said construction should be completed by the end of November.
“It’s going to improve safety a lot,” Dykes said.
Meanwhile, Ralston said last week that plans will soon be announced for the official dedication of the intersection in Jones’ honor. The signage is currently being prepared and, once completed, plans will be made to include all the sponsors of the resolution honoring Jones along with her family.
Melinda Jones said she was glad to hear GDOT was doing something to make the intersection safer. “That’s good news,” she said.