‘A very scary place’: Officials want more safety measures at deadly York intersection
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Two deadly crashes happened this week at the west junction of Highways 34 and 81 in York County.
That makes four crashes in less than two months along Highway 34, according to Sheriff Paul Vrbka.
He said the intersection has been a problem in York for years.
“In 2016, we had two people killed that were hit by a semi-truck, so that intersection has a history, which isn’t good,” Vrbka said. “That’s why I’d like to see some changes there.”
SEE ALSO: Exeter woman killed in York County crash is identified
He believes the problem is distracted driving.
“Both the intersections where these accidents have occurred are open intersections; there are no obstructions,” the sheriff said. “So I don’t know. It must be inattention, or people are just preoccupied.”
Vrbka plans to meet with Nebraska State Sen. Jana Hughes to discuss adding new safety measures, which include rumble strips on the road and flashing lights on signs.
Eleana is a York resident who works in the area and drives through the intersection multiple times a day.
“The intersection is a very scary place, and if you go at the wrong time, you are likely to get hit,” she said. “It’s an attention thing. You got to stay off your phones to be looking at the roads.”
SEE ALSO: York County Sheriff’s Office IDs man killed in crash with semi on Highway 34
