OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Fremont drivers are bracing for potential traffic troubles after a new four-way intersection was installed near one of the city’s busiest intersections.
The new four-way intersection is located at the intersection of 22nd Avenue and Luther Road, just metres from the main thoroughfare at the intersection of 23rd Avenue and Luther Road.
“I think it’s weird. It doesn’t make any sense,” said Wayne Hultquist of Fremont.
The main concern is that southbound traffic on Luther Road could be backed up, again with cars trying to turn onto Luther Road from 23rd Street.
Adding to local residents’ concerns, the new stop is located near a new elementary school that opens Monday.
“Someone is going to get hurt. A child is going to get hit by a car. There’s going to be a traffic accident at this four-way intersection,” Hultquist said.
Fremont Interim City Engineer Troy Schaben told 6News that a traffic study was done before construction of the four-way intersection, taking into account the new school and future growth.
The study recommended a four-way stop, so the city followed suit and added a stop line.
“It’s a change and I understand there are concerns about traffic on Luther Street, but again, the traffic study points that out. Traffic concerns have been taken into consideration. So I’m confident that it’s not creating an unsafe situation,” Schaven said.
“It’s ridiculous. It’s totally ridiculous. They need to put a traffic light there or make it one-way so that you can come from the school or the businesses there to Luther Street and not turn either way,” Hultquist said.
“The traffic study takes that into consideration, but it doesn’t show that. Of course, we’ll monitor it and if changes are needed, we’ll consider them at that time,” Schaven said.
Meanwhile, Schaerben urges everyone to be careful in that area, especially as a new school year begins in new schools.
“Take your time and pay attention to your kids, and things will get better as the semester progresses,” Schaven said.
City engineers say they plan to install a crosswalk three blocks south of the new four-way intersection.
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