Fatal ax puts all eyes on intersection

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WDTN) - All eyes are on a  Miami Township intersection after a man is hit and killed while trying to cross the street Wednesday evening.

Burton Smith,76, was rushed to an area hospital where he later died after being hit by a Jeep traveling south on 741.  Officials said the accident remains under investigation, but it appears Smith was in the wrong when he attempted to cross the busy roadway.  The driver of the Jeep is cooperating with police.

Smith's death is raising questions about the safety of pedestrians in this area.

"I definitely think it needs a crosswalk with as much traffic as you see," said Mike Hammaker, who frequently passes through the intersection.

ODOT officials report more than 22,000 cars drive through this Miami Township intersection a day.  Traffic controller buttons have been installed at each corner of the intersection for pedestrians, but it lacks pedestrian signals and crosswalks.

"Installing crosswalks would be very appropriate at this intersection," said Susan Hubbell.  "There is a lot of foot traffic."

Susan Hubbell is a long time Miami Township resident.  She believes the intersection is a huge danger for pedestrians, who are often crossing from houses on the west side of 741 to restaurants and grocery stores on the east side.

"I see a lot of teens and younger children come though here," added Hubbell.

A spokesperson with ODOT said its District 7 plans on making changes to 741 from Alex Bell to Orchard Run roads to enhance safety.

ODOT plans to resurface the road and will be adding sidewalks, wheelchair accessible ramps, ditch enclosures, as well as upgrading all traffic signals in Spring 2014.

Officials were not able to give a specific date as to when these changes would be finished, but said it would be within the year.