SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A stretch of highway considered by some patrol officers to be the most dangerous in the Sacramento region is getting a facelift.

The California Department of Transportation put a new hybrid asphalt and 25 new lights at Business 80 near the Marconi Exit, which has been nicknamed "The Marconi Curve" for its dangerous blind curve.

There were more than 100 wrecks in 2007 at the Marconi Curve.

The dangerous blind curve can turn a simple fender bender into a 10 car pile-up, California Highway Patrol Officer Lizz Dutton said.

"Anytime an officer hears Marconi curve we pretty much know to expedite our response time," Dutton said.

But Caltrans officials hope the addition of 25 new street lamps will help turn the blind curve into a bright spot.

"That is a lot of bang for your buck and a lot of safety for your buck," said Rochelle Jenkins, of Caltrans.

The hybrid asphalt, which sheds water and grips tires, will also add safety to the highway, officials said.

Reported by: Richard Sharp
Web produced by: Shawn Brouwer