Supervisors, city leaders work on intersection safety

Photo: Road crews begin preparing the Pleasant Hill, McIngvale and Swinnea intersection as a four-way stop. The intersection will eventually become a traffic light-controlled intersection. (DeSoto County Government on Facebook)  

Dec 20, 2024-DeSoto County Supervisors, Hernando Mayor Chip Johnson and city aldermen are taking proactive steps to enhance safety at the intersection of Pleasant Hill, McIngvale, and Swinnea Roads. Officials say that is an area where numerous crashes have occurred.

On Monday, Dec. 23, the intersection will become a four-way stop as an interim safety measure. DeSoto County Road Department crews have begun preparing the intersection, stripping the roads, and installing the necessary signage to implement this change.

“This temporary four-way stop is an important step to protect the safety of drivers and residents in the area,” said Supervisor Lee Caldwell, whose district includes the intersection. “We understand that change can be an adjustment, but safety is our top priority.”

The four-way stop is only a short-term solution. DeSoto County and the City of Hernando are partnering to install a traffic light at the intersection. The cost of the project is being shared between the County and the City, and the traffic light is expected to be operational by early summer. 

“We expect the light to be installed before school starts at the new high school,” said Hernando Mayor Chip Johnson. 

“These changes reflect our commitment to creating safer roadways and working together to protect our community,” Supervisor Caldwell added.