New four-way stop concerns drivers in Fremont
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Drivers in Fremont are bracing for possible traffic trouble after a new four-way stop went up near one of the city’s busiest intersections.
The new four-way stop is located at 22nd and Luther Road, just yards away from a main thoroughfare at 23rd and Luther Road.
Wayne Hultquist of Fremont said, “I think it’s crazy. It just doesn’t make sense to me at all.”
A main concern is that southbound traffic on Luther Road will back up, causing another backup for cars trying to turn off 23rd onto Luther Road.
Adding to neighbors’ concerns, the new stop is located near a new elementary school that opens Monday.
Hultquist said, “Somebody’s going to get hurt. There’s going to be kids getting hit by cars. There’s going to be traffic accidents down there with this four-way stop.”
Troy Schaben, Fremont’s Interim City Engineer, tells 6 News a traffic study was done before the four-way stop went in, taking into account the new school and future growth.
The study recommended a four-way stop, so the city added one in compliance.
Schaben said, “I understand that it is change and I understand that they are concerned about the traffic on Luther Road. But again, the traffic study calls it out. It takes those traffic concerns into consideration. So, we’re confident that it is not creating an unsafe situation.”
Hultquist said, “It’s crazy. It’s absolutely crazy. There either needs to be a stop light put in there or they need to make that a one-way street where people can’t come from the school and the businesses there to Luther Road and turn either direction.”
Schaben said, “The traffic study takes that into account, and it doesn’t show that. Certainly, we will be monitoring it and if changes are needed it is something we will look at the time.”
Meantime, Schaben urges everyone to be careful in that area, especially as the new school year at the new school begins.
Schaben said, “Take your time, watch out for the kids. It will get better as we get further along in the school season.”
City engineers say a pedestrian crosswalk is planned for three blocks south of the new four-way stop.
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