News From

State Representative Ron Stephens

For Immediate Release: March 13, 2008

Contact: Rep. Stephens

618-651-0405

Rep. Stephens points to recent study results as proof of cable barrier benefit

Springfield….Citing new fatality numbers issued by the Missouri Department of Transportation, Representative Ron Stephens (R-Highland) re-emphasized the need for the Illinois Department of Transportation and state officials to erect cable guard barriers along Interstate 64.

Earlier this year, Rep. Stephens introduced a resolution, HR 0927, which requests that IDOT conduct a study on the feasibility of expanding the use of cable barriers in Illinois and report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly no later than July 1, 2009. Rep. Stephens points to recent numbers from MoDOT as more evidence that the cable barriers will save lives.

“MoDOT has reported that median guard cables on their state’s busiest highways are responsible for bringing the total number of crossover fatalities down from 55 to only two in the previous year,” Rep. Stephens explained. “This is a huge decrease, and we should try and bring those kinds of results to our highways.”

Rep. Stephens’ resolution came in response to the crash on Interstate 64 on November 23, near Illinois 158, involving an Illinois State Police officer and two sisters, 18-year-old Jessica Uhl and 13-year-old Kelli. The Uhls were driving westbound on I-64, when the trooper, who was heading east at a high rate of speed, lost control of his car, crossing over the median and hitting the Uhls’ vehicle, killing both girls instantly.

“This horrible tragedy should have never happened. It’s one that we must work to make sure is prevented from happening again,” Rep. Stephens said. “Missouri is seeing real, quantifiable results from the installation of these cable barriers. I am looking for those same results on Illinois highways.”

The resolution is currently under consideration in the House Rules Committee.

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