Work To Improve Safety On Eagan's Diffley Road Continues

EAGAN,MN — On the morning of Nov. 1, 2019, 13-year-old Patric Vitek was killed riding his bike to school Diffley Road. The driver of the vehicle involved was headed east on Diffley Road, and was traveling in the center lane, when the car struck the rear tire of Patric’s bicycle on the 1000 block.

Patric was biking to the nearby Dakota Hills Middle School, which he attended.

Following the fatal crash, residents and local officials began a push to make roads in that area safer.

Changes made so far include:

• A 30 mph speed limit was implemented during school arrival and dismissal times.
• Eagan police has increased its presence to enforce speeding and intersection violations.
• Flashing beacons and a “when flashing" plaque were installed. The flashing operation tells motorists when school students are arriving and leaving school. This change allows Eagan Police to fully enforce the school speed limit during arrival and dismissal times.
• Adult crossing guards were put in place at the Diffley Road and Braddock Trail signal to increase safety.

Residents can learn about more potential Diffley Road school area safety improvements at an open house Thursday, Feb. 27 from 6–8 p.m. at Eagan Community Center Lone Oak Room, 1501 Central Parkway.

A presentation will begin at 6:15 p.m. The focus will be on:

• Diffley Road between Lexington Avenue and Braddock Trail
• Northview Elementary School
• Dakota Hills Middle School
• Eagan High School
• Nearby neighborhoods

Officials from Dakota County, the city of Eagan, School District 196 and a project consultant will be at the meeting to discuss the project.