Date:

December 4, 2001

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831
Scott Opfer, Engineering Services, 441-7851

Mayor Don Wesely today gave an update on efforts to increase safety at two intersections. Since January 2000, the intersection of Warlick Boulevard and Old Cheney Road has been the site of 17 accidents, including one fatality. D uring the same time period, the intersection of 70th Street and Cornhusker Highway has been the site of 13 accidents, including one fatality.

"Although statistically, these two don’t make the list of top ten accident intersections, serious accidents have occurred at these locations, and the public is concerned about them," said Mayor Wesely. "In addition to the steps we are taking, we need the public be more cautious when they approach these and all other intersections in our city."

Portable message signs which display the speed vehicles are moving were installed at both intersections November 20th.

Other work at Warlick and Old Cheney includes:

the installation of permanent speed display signs by mid-January;

the installation of flashing signs reading "Prepare to Stop When Flashing" by mid-January;

a reduction of the posted speed limit from 50 to 45 m.p.h. starting 800 feet south of the intersection beginning in the next few weeks; and

the installation of guide signs encouraging drivers to use Warlick to access the bypass rather than Old Cheney. This was a request of the Salt Valley View Neighborhood Association.

Other work at 70th and Cornhusker includes:

the installation of permanent speed display signs by March;

moving the "Prepare to Stop When Flashing" signs from the side of the highway to above the highway;

the addition of brighter lights;

the addition of stop bar markings;

cutting back the medians; and

the future rebuilding of the traffic signals to allow for left turns.

Media Release