By Mark Ambrogi
Drivers will likely want to avoid the intersection for US 421 and State Road 32 for the next several weeks.
The intersection will begin its 45-day closure on July 6. The contractor will be transforming the four-way stop intersection into a roundabout. The intersection is slated to reopen on Aug. 21.
The project was awarded to Calumet Civil Contractors, Inc. for $1.16 million onApril 15, according to Debbie Calder, INDOT’s communications director for the Crawfordsville district. This project will construct a roundabout at this intersection with right turn lanes for both northbound and southbound U.S. 421 traffic.
According to the INDOT release, the detour for northbound U.S. 421 traffic follows I-465 west to I-865 west to I-65 north to State Road 47 east and back to U.S. 421. The detour for eastbound S.R. 32 follows I-65 north to S.R. 47 east to S.R. 38 east to U.S. 31 south and back to S.R. 32. Traffic traveling in the opposite direction will use the same detour in reverse.
“The project was first funded in 2010,” Calder said. “It’s going to impact a lot of travelers. I’m sure they are not going to be happy with us closing that intersections.”
Calder said it should ease traffic in the future, though.
Calder shared INDOT’s position that roundabouts represent a viable traffic construction solution for traditional stop control and traffic signal intersections. Multiple studies have determined that roundabouts are effective in dramatically reducing the severity of intersection vehicle crashes when compared to traditional stop control and traffic signal intersections. The reduction in accidents is attributed to slower speeds and reduced number of conflict points. Based upon crash reduction statistics, INDOT states it believes appropriately designed and constructed roundabouts enhance motorist safety while reducing traffic delays.
For the latest news and information about INDOT, visit www.in.gov/indot orwww.trafficwise.IN.gov .
