Parker seeks action after car plows into eatery

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Josh Parker says he wants something to be done about the traffic problems at the intersection of Highway 11 and Nicholsville Road now, rather than down the line when tragedy demands changes.

“I would love to see a proactive response instead of a reactive response,” Parker said.

Parker, owner of Campton Restaurant, feels the need personally. Late last month, a three vehicle accident at the intersection saw a car drive into the side of his business, damaging the exterior building.

“I have people who work for me in there, people who eat there in my building,” Parker said. “To see a car run into the building is alarming.”

The Nicholsville Road-Highway 11 intersection has been a troubling one for Campton residents and Walton travelers alike. Parker said state records show a traffic accident occurs at the intersection at least once a month.

“A lot of the danger is due to the line of sight,” Parker said. “And the rest is usually because of speed.”

Although cars are expected to slow down driving through unincorporated Campton, many vehicles race through the community at the same highway speed they use on other stretches of Highway 11.

Combined with a short line of sight as cars crest the hill heading into the center of the community at high speed with little warning of merging traffic turning off Nicholsville Road, the intersection can be quite dangerous at certain times.

“I drive across this intersection every day,” Parker said. “My mom drives it, my sister drives it, obviously my customers drive it. It’s a reoccurring problem there, which makes it a dangerous intersection.”

Change could be slow in coming, as Highway 11 is a state route and requires the Georgia Department of Transportation to make any changes to the road. But Parker hopes the state will so something now, when it’s only minor injuries and structural damage in play, rather than wait until someone dies at the intersection.

“Our county and state need to work together on this,” Parker said. “Our county is growing, our population is growing. This is only going to get worse if something is not done.”

Possible solutions could include a change in traffic patterns or routes

“The popular opinion these days is a roundabout,” Parker said. “On the other hand, I’d be happy to see a red light, too.”

Parker said just a bit more awareness of the issue could help.

“I’d love to see some of those cameras like they put up in Barrow County,” Parker said. “If people knew they were watching and got a few tickets, they’d slow down.”

No matter what form relief takes, Parker hopes to see it sooner rather than later in the wake of disaster.

“I just want a safer intersection for me and my employees and my customers,” Parker said.