A Lincoln family approves of plan to build roundabout at dangerous intersection

The Ahrendt family has lived near the 14th and Old Cheney intersection for over 25 years.

They’ve seen first hand how dangerous it can be and say citizens in the neighborhood started trying to make that area safer more than 25 years ago.

Paul and Kathy Ahrendt have lived in Lincoln since 1972, raising five children near the intersection.

“It’s scary that every time I come up to that intersection, that’s what hits my mind first,” said Kathy. “This is where my girls got hurt.” 

She is referring to her daughters, Teri and Traci, who years ago, both were in separate accidents near and at the intersection.

Though one had to have plastic surgery, both are fine now and have their own children who come to visit their grandparents.  The two daughters say the area has only gotten worse.

“It’s such a different feeling than when we were kids,” said Teri. “I mean even in high school, I would not let my children play in the front yard.”

Traci chimed in, “Absolutely not, to go out and get the mail is scary.”

WITH THE NEW PROJECT, THE CITY’S GOAL IS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW AND MAKE THE AREA SAFER FOR BIKERS, PEDESTRIANS AND DRIVERS OVERALL.

Paul took action, emailing council members and was elated to hear back from them.

“I’ve talked to one city council for, one city council against and one city councilist,” said Paul. “He doesn’t know where he is gonna go yet with it. So I couldn’t ask for better representation.” 

The city council will meet Monday to talk about the plans for the intersection.

“Let’s make sure we think about the 38,000 cars a day that drive through that area and there’s kids coming from soccer,” added Paul. “There’s kids coming from baseball. Let’s just make sure that we keep always in mind its about safety.” 

Construction on the roundabout is expected to start early next year.

To learn more about the plans , you can visit http://www.14tholdcheney.com/faq/.