Concerns over Accidents on Northpointe Drive

After an accident at Military and Northpointe Tuesday, WHIZ New’s Facebook page received many comments asking why something isn’t done at the intersection.

The Zanesville Police Department has responded to 21 accidents at the intersection since January 2014. Police captain Tony Coury said 12 of those have happened this year.

However, despite public outcry for a traffic signal, he does not believe adding one would solve all of the problems.

“With the traffic signal, you may decrease the crashes, but traffic signals also increase your rear end accidents,” Coury said.

Northpointe was created as a bypass to the north end of Zanesville, and Coury doesn’t think that adding more signals would be ideal.

“I don’t know that it’s in the city’s interest that they want to just stick traffic lights everywhere that we have large amounts of traffic,” he said.

After Tuesday’s rollover accident and multiple children being transported, the city has heard complaints.

The city’s public safety director, Fred Buck is out of the office this week, but public service director, Jay Bennett, explained that Tuesday’s accident is forcing an item to be heard.

“As a result of yesterday, I have already talked to a representative on the committee of council, and they have asked that this be placed on the next meeting agenda,” Bennett said.

The traffic committee will hear the item and begin studying the issue. Bennett said data will be collected on the intersection to see what the best action will be.