An Appleton intersection with a dangerous reputation is set to see a major makeover next year.
A new report shows 27 crashes happened at the intersection of Northland Avenue and Richmond Street in 2014 alone.
That's the highest crash rate for any Appleton intersection.
Highway experts studying this intersection say they've identified a number of "conflict points," or areas that cause congestion, and confusion for drivers, leading to crashes.
To solve that, project leaders say they're pushing for a roundabout.
For drivers that know this intersection well, like Neal Layng, of Appleton, maneuvering this busy intersection where State Highway 47 and County Highway OO meet is a lot like "a nightmare, at times, when you're running through," says Layng, "especially... usual rush hour."
Layng and others say speed, and impatient drivers, are common reasons for crashes here.
"Two, three people will run the light after it's already gone red, at times, to get their turn in," says Layng. "It definitely causes a little bit of extra commotion."
And project leaders with WisDOT echo those sentiments.
"It causes confusion, which leads to fender-benders," says project manager Tim Rank. "You also have people trying to beat the light."
To end that, Rank says they're planning to turn the intersection into a roundabout. Rank says it would help control traffic speed, and slash the potential for severe crashes.
"Some people may not see that on a day-to-day basis, but it's been as high as a crash, injury, or severe... crash once every two to three weeks," adds Rank.
It's a solution many drivers we spoke with approve of, but Layng admits he's skeptical, especially after dealing with other busy area roundabouts.
"The Breezewood exit in particular," says Layng, referring to a busy roundabout in Neenah, "when you hit that around rush hour traffic. You almost see an accident every time you go through there, because someone doesn't know how to actually work through it."
The DOT says they'll be holding an open meeting at the end of this summer about the project's details. Public comment, is highly encouraged.
Leaders say the project will cost $3 million, to $4 million, and will be mostly funded through a safety grant.
Work is slated to begin in June of next year.
