A redesign of the "Y" intersection of Highways 34-72 west of Jackson is welcome news to the 14,000 motorists who go through the intersection every day.

The Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission has awarded a $165,339 contract to change the intersection into a "T" shape. The change will provide more visibility for drivers by relocating the left-turn location to the top of the hill. Left-turn-only lanes for traffic on Route 34 and on Route 72 are also included.

Although the highway department considers the intersection high on its list of safety improvement needs, surprisingly few accidents occur there. That probably is because most of the traffic that uses the intersection is local traffic, and for that reason motorists are familiar with the dangers.

It is a welcome improvement that has been needed for a long time.