A petition to support the 4 lane state highway through Wagner has garnered over 1300 signers. The petition was circulated in Wagner and the surrounding area. The petitions were sent to the South Dakota Dept of Transportation in Pierre.

The petition states “We are concerned that the change to a two lane with a center passing lane will lead to unnecessary traffic congestion and the potential for unsafe driving situations.”

DOT accident rate charts show this stretch of road significantly lower compared to similar roads in the state. It does not appear that this proposed road change will be done to improve safety. The Urban Principal Arterial Crash rate in Wagner from 2015 to 2019 was 1.16 crashes per million vehicle miles traveled while the state average is 1.95.

Gerrit Juffer said “I hope we got their attention. The support for keeping the 4 lanes is overwhelming as evidenced by over 1300 petition signers. There is a lot at stake for the Wagner community and all who use Highway 46 through Wagner. It is very important that stakeholders attend and give their views at the pending DOT Public Meeting in Wagner in early this fall.”

Brenda Jaton said “Thank you to everyone who helped with the petition, signed the petition and came to the Wagner City Council meeting to give their view. We need to do so again at the DOT Wagner public hearing on the issue in the near future.”

“Those that still wish to sign a petition can come to Valley Pump, Midtowne Oil & Wash, K’s Quick Stop & Gus Stop to do so this weekend. We encourage everyone to come enjoy the Labor Day weekend in Wagner,” concluded Jaton.