OMAHA, Nebraska (WOWT) – Drivers in Fremont are preparing for possible traffic problems after a new intersection with four stop signs was installed near one of the city’s busiest intersections.
The new four-stop intersection is located at the corner of 22nd and Luther Road, just a few meters from a major thoroughfare at the corner of 23rd and Luther Road.
Wayne Hultquist of Fremont said: “I think this is crazy. It just doesn’t make sense to me.”
One of the biggest concerns is that southbound traffic will back up on Luther Road, causing further congestion for cars trying to turn from 23rd onto Luther Road.
Neighbours’ concerns are compounded by the fact that the new stop is located near a new elementary school that opens on Monday.
Hultquist said, “Someone is going to get hurt. There are going to be kids hit by cars. There are going to be traffic accidents because of this intersection with four stop signs.”
Troy Schaben, Fremont’s acting city engineer, told 6 News that a traffic study was conducted before the four-stop sign intersection was built, taking into account the new school and future growth.
The study recommended a four-stop intersection, and the city added one accordingly.
Schaben said, “I understand that these are changes, and I understand that they are concerned about traffic on Luther Road. But the traffic study also points that out. It takes into account those traffic concerns. So we are confident that this will not create an unsafe situation.”
Hultquist said, “It’s crazy. It’s absolutely crazy. Either they need to put a traffic light there, or they need to make it a one-way street where people can come from the school and the shops there to Luther Road and can’t turn in any direction.”
Schaben said: “The traffic study takes that into account, and that’s not what it shows. Of course we will monitor that and if changes are necessary, we will look at that in due course.”
In the meantime, Schaben is urging everyone to be cautious in this area, especially as the new school year begins.
Schaben said: “Take your time and take care of the children. Things will get better as the school season progresses.”
According to city engineers, a pedestrian crossing is planned three blocks south of the new four-crossing intersection.
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