Editor,
With the onset of construction and subsequent detours on Meridian, more and more semi trucks are now seen traveling along Main Street, specifically in the Arts and Design District section, whereupon, at the intersection of 4th and Main, they unwittingly find themselves facing a precarious situation as they happen upon the fountain roundabout. I feel for them as they try to maneuver their behemoth machines around this tight circle, never intended to accommodate the likes of an 18-wheeler.
Many have tried and many have failed to successfully navigate this obstacle.
The situation has caused major traffic problems on an already congested urban area and wreaked havoc on the infrastructure of one of Carmel’s more elaborate and esthetically beautiful roundabouts as it provides a gateway into the Design District.
I have witnessed their attempts and heard, at all hours of the day and night, the rumble of engines, the whines of steering columns and the sounds of destruction as their wheels jump the curb. Regardless of how one feels about roundabouts it is done – and is now being undone – all at taxpayers’, and those living on, or just enjoying Main Street’s many amenities, expense.
I ask the City of Carmel if an easy solution to the problem would be to simply provide more visible and adequate signage disallowing semi-trucks on this section of Main as well as a design for alternate detour routes for their use during the U.S. 31 construction.
Beth Meyers
P.S. Coincidentally, as I write this, another semi truck is slowly making its way around the roundabout, with two other semis right behind it, as a fire truck (Main Street being a common route for them) is heading towards the same. This could make for a potentially life-altering situation.