Drivers ignoring road closures face fines as roundabout construction begins

With construction underway on a new roundabout at the intersection of 276th Street and 166th Avenue aimed at improving the traffic flow in the area and safety through the intersection. The project began with a full road closure on April 7 and has gained attention of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department who are reminding residents not to ignore road closure signs in the county.

Highway Superintendent, Terry Fluit reported the increase in traffic counts and delays at the intersection triggered the County to review the intersection. 

“A big issue was safety and the need for turn lanes,” Fluit said. 

The process for the roundabout started nearly two years ago. 

“The county recently has a comprehensive safety plan completed and this intersection came out as the top-rated project that could be done to improve safety,” he continued.

The closure is expected to last approximately just over four months as crews transform the area based on design plans. 

“Many options were looked at before selecting a recycles aggregate base (RAB) as the preferred option upgrade including different all way stop configurations with turn lanes. The RAB was selected as the best option because of the long-term benefits for level of surface and safety features,” he said.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department is asking residents to follow the signage posted in all directions posted for miles before the road construction begins. 

“Deputies have been busy dealing with several people traveling around the barricades despite there being significant signage,” said Lincoln County Sheriff, Steve Swenson.

Reporting three separate occurrences already, Swenson and his officers have been writing fines in the amount of $232.50 for violators. 

“One vehicle crashed head on with a large road closed sign and left a nice souvenir of their car parts on the road before fleeing the scene. If you are the driver of the white vehicle involved in this, please reach out to us. After that, a third incident arrest was made for a driver that had three warrants and a suspended driver’s license after he drove through the barricades,” he said. 

With work continuing, Fluit warns residents the road will be removed down to the substrate by the end of the week and reminds all residents to stay out for their safety and the safety of the construction crews on site. 

“Construction zones are designated for workers and equipment, who know and understand what is happening in the project area. Construction zones require extra caution because they combine hazards, limited space, and human workers in close proximity to moving traffic,” he said.

While a detour may add extra time to a trip, driving through a closed road can be dangerous for you, the crews, and even the vehicle you are driving.

“Once the road is tore up, it may be impossible to travel through the work without doing significant damage to their vehicles or hitting workers or heavy construction equipment,” Fluit said.