Another tragedy left two people dead Sept. 2 at the intersection of Branchton Road and Rte. 8. I live relatively close to that intersection, and have traveled from each side quite often. Regardless of which way you’re traveling, there is a clear view of oncoming traffic, not to mention the obvious markings and signs on Branchton telling the driver to stop.

The intersection gets busy in the morning and evening as people use it to get to and from work at the underground mine in Boyers, and traffic increases when SRU classes are in session.

I have seen people come to rolling stops and then turn or speed across Rte. 8 in front of oncoming traffic, and I nearly have been hit while at a stop on Rte. 8 with my turn signal on waiting to turn onto Branchton Road.

The problem is that either people are in too much of a hurry or they are ignorant to the rules of the road. “Stop” means come to a full stop and stay there until you can cross or turn safely. While I hate to see a traffic light put up due to careless drivers, I feel it is the only thing that will put an end to people dying at that intersection.

The last I heard, PennDOT was waiting for the paving to be done before assessing what to do with the intersection. How long will that take? How many people will die before then?

Colleen West, Slippery Rock Township