LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- Driving into Lebanon Junction you're greeted with a welcome sign, standing tall, next to a not-so-welcoming intersection.
More than 25 wrecks occurred at the foot of the I-65 exit ramp during 2015, according to Lebanon Junction police. The most recent one was deadly.
Remnants of the wreck on December 1, 2015 sit inches away from the memorial of Christopher Statsman, a retired-military man turned Lebanon Junction Firefighter who lost his life just five days after a collision with a gas truck.
"I was proud to deal with him. Good fireman. I know he's missed down there. They had a big turn out for him at his funeral, in response to what he was, he was a good man," said Lebanon Junction Mayor Larry Dangerfield.
The wreck is still under investigation by Kentucky State Police, but the death of this volunteer fire fighter has put this intersection on Lebanon Junction's radar.
"It was a priority before. It always has been. We've always asked to try and get something, and it's a shame that you get down to the avenue to where you have to give up a life to get something," said Mayor Dangerfield.
A lack of stop lights and no turning lane create a blind spot. Drivers turning left aren't able to see past tractor trailer trucks. The blind spot is so bad that most drivers look for wheels under the tractor-trailer before taking the risk to turn.
"Exactly like this car here is going into Speedway. He can't see what's coming," explains Police Chief Terry Phillips.
Lebanon Juction leaders are asking for a stop light and to turn the center median into a turning lane.
"I want it as soon as we can get it, and I'll push as hard as I can, and I'll talk to Frankfort if I have to," said Mayor Dangerfield.
Calls have been made, and state workers have been out surveying the intersection, but a definite timeline has not yet been set.
