According to new data from THP, from 2019 to now there have been over 1,620 crashes from I-40 in Wilson County, to the Sumner County line. Nine people have died and another 38 have been seriously injured.
WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — It’s a “death trap.”
That’s how neighbors on State Route 109 in Wilson County describe the dangerous stretch of road. New data reports over 1,600 accidents since 2019 from I-40 in Wilson County to the Sumner County line.
“It’s kind of like the autobahn,” said Brittany Hughes.
That’s one way to describe State Route 109, where we have reported many accidents over the years. The most recent was over the weekend in Lebanon. According to THP, state troopers responded to a single-injury vehicle crash and are investigating an impaired driver.
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“There were a couple of accidents where they flipped off the shoulder and hit our fence over here. And if I’m not mistaken, they had to be life-flighted,” Hughes said.
It’s just one accident of many from over the years that sticks out for Hughes who works at BJ’s Trailers off SR-109.
“BJ is my grandfather, been here 39 years. He started with one trailer in his front yard, and grew it up to be what it is now,” Hughes said.
Not only does Hughes work on SR 109 but lives on the stretch of road where she has seen countless accidents throughout her life. “I couldn’t even put a number on it, from growing up I would say thousands.”
Just over a month ago, a couple died on State Route 109 after a speeding driver passed traffic in the middle lane and hit them head-on. The accident happened next door to BJ’s Trailers.
“You have to be very careful on it because it could be a death trap,” Hughes said.
It’s also an area of concern for THP. Earlier this month, residents met with THP and Wilson County officials about their concerns. According to new data from THP, from 2019 to now there have been over 1,620 crashes from I-40 in Wilson County, to the Sumner County line. Nine people have died and another 38 have been seriously injured.
And while Hughes said she has seen more of a law enforcement presence, more needs to be done.
“Lowering the speed limits and putting in the red lights to ensure people to stop,” Hughes said.