Sumner County Executive Anthony Holt released news today (Tuesday) that a request by the Sumner County Commission for the state’s help in improving the safety of SR 386 (Vietnam Veterans Boulevard) near the Korean War Memorial Bridge as resulted in a quick commitment from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).

The request was in response to the massive wrecks involving over 50 vehicles being crashed and tying up more than 80 vehicles in traffic that occurred in a heavy fog with icy conditions in the early morning hours of Dec. 1, 2011. The accident took the life of Hendersonville resident Paul Warren.

“I think those are needed improvements and I’m thrilled that the state responded in such a timely manner,” said County Executive Anthony Holt. “My hope is that this will prevent other tragedies from occurring like what happened with the massive wreck on Dec. 1.”

Holt expressed his appreciation to TDOT Commissioner John C. Schroer, Gov. Bill Haslam and State Senator Mae Beavers for their help in expediting these actions.

The planned improvements include extension of the eastbound approach guardrail at the Saundersville Road bridge, installation of larger and additional "Bridge Ices Before Road" signs, installation of chevrons on the bridges along with delineators and installation of flexible delineators and guardrail delineators in the vicinity of Saundersville Road, Gallatin Road and Nashville Pike bridges. The plans also call for “snowplowable” road markers to designate driving lanes.

No time was given for work on the improvements to begin.

By Randy Cline