Nash County to Build New, Safer Bridge

Posted 4:00 a.m. Oct 14, 1997 — Updated 4:00 a.m. Oct 14, 1997

NASHVILLE — After the deadly accident on Highway 55 in Cary, transportation engineersare taking a look at another dangerous area, the narrow bridge that spansTurkey Creek in Nash County. Last year three high school students died in a car accident on the bridge. Now as friends, family and teachers rememberthe loss, they're pushing for safer passage.

One year ago, four students from Southern Nash Senior High School weretraveling on Highway 97. They were approaching a narrow bridge over TurkeyCreek when something went terribly wrong.

Reagan Moss, Mandy Baker and Amanda Hamm died in the crash. A fourthstudent, Debra Baker survived. Classmates erected a monument in memory ofMoss, Baker and Hamm last Friday. The narrow bridge is a constant andpainful reminder of their loss.

The state plans to start widening the bridge in March.

Widening the bridge won't ease the pain, but students and faculty arehoping it will save lives and be a lasting tribute to Moss, Baker andHamm.

The N.C. Department of Transportation anticipates completing constructionby December 1998.

The number of deadly car crashes across the United States is decreasing.Last year 41,500 Americans died in car accidents. Speeding was a contributing factor in 30 percent of the wrecks. Also, men are three timesmore likely than women to be involved in a fatal accident.

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