By John Howell Sr.
The Mississippi Dept. of Transportation (MDOT) has turned down Batesville’s request for a traffic signal at the intersection of Tiger Drive and Highway 51.

Mayor Jerry Autrey acknowledged a letter from MDOT District 2 Engineer Mitch Turner during Tuesday’s meeting.

Turner stated that the request was presented to the Traffic Engineering Division for analysis, who had determined that the signal was not warranted.

“Based on their analysis, and the duration of congestion at the sites during school drop-off and pick up times, the current method of controlling traffic with Law Enforcement Officials at each drive actually provides a safer environment for the students and employees than a signal could provide at this time,” Turner’s letter states.

The intersection is the site of frequent vehicle accidents, especially at the beginning and end of school days. Batesville Police Department officers are currently assigned during those times to direct the traffic at the Tiger Drive and Watt Street intersections with Highway 51.

Mayor Jerry Autrey said that he suggested an invitation to Northern District Highway Commissioner Mike Tagert for a meeting with city officials and representatives from the police department.

“I think somebody from the schools needs to be here,” Alderman Bill Dugger said.

“Right, right,” the mayor replied.