The efforts of the Cicero community have led to changes to one intersection. East Taft Road at Totman will have a left hand turning lane. These changes come after a woman was killed in a crash there earlier this year. Our Iris St. Meran spoke with one of main people pushing to make this intersection safer.

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"Taft Road is being widened in Totman Road area and a turn lane is going to be put in at Totman Road, which is a huge safety improvement for the area,” said Cindy Smith who works nearby at FedEx.

That area, Smith said, has seen many serious accidents. Her co-worker at FedEx was a victim of one. In February, Leanne Schaefer, 51, died following a crash there. Police said she was waiting to turn left onto Totman Road when she was hit from behind by another car.

For months, Smith and others set out to make changes to prevent something like this from ever happening again.

Smith said, "I appreciate everyone's hard work: From the county to the town to everyone at work to everyone who works in this area and the residents."

Although the construction has just started, progress has already been made on this road. The speed limit was reduced from 50 to 40 miles an hour.

Cicero Town Supervisor Jim Corl said, "The town is designated with taking responsibility for speed limits for the roads with the town. So as a suburban town, we were able to lower that right away with the help and research of Chief Snell.”

Corl said the town also worked closely with County Legislator Kathy Rapp who secured $200,000 for the safety improvements that began Monday. Smith says her colleagues have another change in mind.

“Someone at work suggested we call the safety improvements ‘Leanne’s Left,’” Smith added.

To honor their friend and fellow co-worker who left a lasting impression in all of their hearts.

Crews are expected to complete their work in a few weeks.