Highway 81 RCUT almost finished

HUMPHREY, Neb. – Last weekend’s winter weather did little to slow the progress of Highway 81’s restricted crossing U-turn, or RCUT, construction.

The project, which began in July, is designed to help reduce accidents that occur on one of the most notoriously dangerous intersections in the state.

Drivers near Humphrey are re-learning how to drive the roads near home.

“I think for the most part it’s working pretty well,” said Nebraska Department of Transportation District 3 highway project manager Mike Steffensmeier. “There were a couple vehicles confused by cutting off access from 91 to 81, the left turn, but overall it’s working pretty well.”

Steffensmeier noted that semi drivers are also forced to relearn the navigation.

“There’s a learning curve there, as you would expect, but I don’t think there’s a whole lot of issues there. It’s just a matter of timing those turns, and making sure they have enough room,” Steffensmeier said.

The restricted turns at the 81/91 intersection are being implemented. Left turns are not allowed.

Project officials say they anticipate a November completion for the new intersection.

NDOT is planning on maintaining a 60 mph speed limit following construction.

For further instructions on how to navigate the RCUT, a short educational video and print-friendly fact sheet can be found on the NDOT website.