NASHVILLE, TN) -- State Representative Dennis Ferguson (D-Midtown) and Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) today announced that needed improvements at the three-way intersection at State Route 58 and State Route 72 in Kingston have been approved by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).  The intersection has been the location of several serious car crashes, including a recent fatality. 
     TDOT will add a left turn lane on State Route 58 and widen State Route 72 to accommodate a separate left and right turn lane.  The project will also entail installation of curbing to define entrances for the safety of customers who go into or out of the convenience store located there. 
     “The Department has informed us that these improvements will be made to make this intersection safer,” said Senator Yager.  "We met with TDOT officials in November at the site and I am just very pleased that we are now going to see improvements that will help protect those who drive through this intersection.”
     The Department will continue to monitor the intersection for changes in traffic patterns to determine whether it would meet the criteria for installation of a traffic signal.
     "This is definitely a step toward making this intersection safer," Rep. Ferguson added.  "I greatly appreciate the Department's cooperation for this study.  We are also pleased that the Department will continue to monitor it to see if added measures are needed.  We want to continue to work with our local officials to make whatever changes are in order to improve the safety of our roads," he concluded.