(Roanoke, VA) -- Officials in southwest Virginia are pushing for a 'road diet' on one busy street. Scott Kimbler reports.Preview: Voicer Script:
Williamson Road in Roanoke has been identified as one of the most dangerous roads in the area, with almost 700 crashes and 49 fatalities reported since 2015. Director of Public Works Ross Campbell says the high number of conflict points, particularly around businesses along the corridor, is seen as a major contributing factor. WFXR reports the Greater Williamson Road Business Association is advocating for a reconfiguration project to improve safety, with plans to reduce a portion of the road to three lanes. While some businesses have mixed feelings about the proposed changes, officials assure that feedback will be considered before moving forward with the project, which is expected to begin in the fall and last for six months.