Intersection in Sheb. Co. has seen violent, even deadly wrecks: "It's freeway speed, but it's not a freeway"

Intersection in Sheb. Co. has seen violent, even deadly wrecks: “It`s freeway speed, but it`s not a freeway”

Intersection in Sheb. Co. has seen violent, even deadly wrecks: "It`s freeway speed, but it`s not a freeway"

SHEBOYGAN COUNTY -- There have been several violent, and even deadly crashes at the intersection of Highway 23 and County Road TT in Sheboygan County, and a state plan for change could take years.

Highway 23 and County Road TT in Sheboygan County

At this intersection, surveillance cameras were rolling when a deadly crash happened.

"I'm looking at it right now. It happened in front of me," a witness said in a 911 call.

Bob Kroeplien was at the scene the day 75-year-old Jane Reklaitis lost her life after the crash that happened on July 22nd. Her 81-year-old husband was released from the hospital on August 1st.

Crash on Highway 23 at County Road TT in Sheboygan County on July 22nd

Kroeplien also happens to be the Sheboygan Falls fire chief.

Bob Kroeplien

"Obviously when you look at the mechanism of injury, it took a heck of an impact," Kroeplien said.

Kroeplien says the intersection at Highway 23 and County Road TT can be a dangerous one.

The same surveillance camera captured two other violent wrecks over the last several weeks.

Highway 23 at County Road TT in Sheboygan County

"It`s freeway speed, but it`s not actually a freeway," Kroeplien said.

Many feel changes are needed to prevent future tragedies.

There is a plan to put an on/off ramp at the intersection as part of a larger expansion plan for Highway 23 -- which would cost $20 million for this particular intersection alone.

Despite the recent crashes, officials with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation say they've analyzed the intersection but don't believe it's overly dangerous.

Crash on Highway 23 at County Road TT in Sheboygan County

"We see the crash rate isn't as high compared to similar intersections across the entire state. It`s just one of those intersections that you need to pay attention when you get there," Mark Kantola, DOT spokesman said.

Highway 23 at County Road TT in Sheboygan County