State responds with RCUTs after roadways' deadliest year in decades

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Department of Transportation’s 2024 annual report says RCUTS are being implemented to increase roadway safety.
The transportation department says 2024 was the deadliest year in nearly two decades with 251 fatalities.
RCUTS, restricted crossing U-turns, and cable median barriers are intended to increase safety as directed by Gov. Jim Pillen’s administration.
An RCUT intersection opened this year at Highway 75 and Highway 1 intersection near Murray and two RCUT intersections are proposed for Highway 2 near Palmyra.
The transportation department says RCUTs are proven effective. Between 2021-2023, the RCUT at the intersection of highways 81 and 91 near Humphrey has reduced crashes by 54 percent and reduced fatalities by 96 percent.
The state has also completed 50 miles of cable median barriers along Interstate 80. Another 15 miles will be constructed this year with future installations planned on portions of Highway 75.