BATON ROUGE — A traffic light is being installed at the intersection of Highland Rd. and Pecue Lane following multiple crashes, including one deadly accident that claimed the life of a 24-year-old mother in October of last year.
Following conversations and meetings between Baton Rouge Metro Council members, the City of Baton Rouge, the City of St. George and residents in the area, MOVEBR will install the light in front of the Valhalla Subdivision, near where Valencia Joquawn Jones was killed in October.
UWK previously spoke with Dr. Rubin Patel, who’s lived near that intersection since 2013. He said he’s seen numerous issues tied to that particular area.
“I would say I’ve seen on average about six accidents per year and they’re always accidents where cars have to be towed away. They’re not fender benders where people walk away. There’s always damage to the car or injuries to people, said Dr. Patel.”
According to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, there have been at least 14 crashes at that intersection, which resulted in one fatality and three others with reported injuries.
According to East Baton Rouge Parish Transportation and Drainage Department Director, Fred Raiford, installation of the light will begin in January of 2026.
“The big issue here is acquiring the needed right of way for the project. This projet is part of the MOVEBR program and it was included in the priority list,” Raiford said.
In the meantime, Raiford said temporary lighting will go up in the area in the next few months to make the intersection for visible at night.
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