Lou Holtmann says Monday’s dedication of new median cable barriers on Interstate 55 will mark a “significant milestone” toward safer highways.

Holtmann lost his wife, Teresa, his daughter, Cristen, and his sister-in-law and nephew in a July 1996 crossover accident on Interstate 44 near Stanton, Mo. They were killed when an eastbound truck crossed into westbound lanes and hit their minivan.

Today, he’s president of the nonprofit group Citizens for Safe Medians, that raised money for new guard cables on Missouri interstates. The group donated $55,000 toward guard cables on I-55, and has raised about $140,000 overall for the cable work.

“These things certainly prevent significant accidents and deaths,” Holtmann said from his home in Branson. “You can tell from all the strikes they’ve gotten.” 

Missouri Department of Transportation officials will mark completion of work on this I-55 guard cable project on Monday afternoon in Herculaneum. Representatives from congressional offices and local lawmakers are expected to attend.

According to its news release, MoDOT and its contractor installed the cable barriers in gaps along the the I-55 median area between Route M and Route 67. Work began in November and wrapped up this month.