Busy South Dakota Intersection Gets All-Way Stop Signs

To South Dakota locals, the intersection of U.S. Highway 81 and U.S. Highway 18, just south of Freeman and just east of Menno, is known as Meridian Corner, famous for the restaurant of the same name that serves some of the best chislic around.

But more recently the area has been in the news for a pair of deadly car accidents at the intersection of the busy highways.

Back on June 24, a collision between a pickup and a semi claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy. 13 months earlier, May 23, 2023, a 92-year-old man was killed in an accident at the intersection.

Get our free mobile app

Those deaths have prompted the South Dakota Department of Transportation to install an all-way stop at the intersection. The signs were put in place Monday (August 26).

Previously, drivers on Highway 81 did not have to stop at the intersection.

In addition to the signs, drivers will now notice rumble strips and pavement markings at the newly redesigned intersection.