INDOT not looking at other problem intersections
While the Indiana Department of Transportation has future plans to improve the intersection of U.S. 231 and Veteran's Memorial Highway, it does not include traffic lights at other "problem" intersections.
Some officials and residents feel the intersection of Veteran's Memorial Highway and First Street needs a traffic light installed. With Greencastle High School and Ivy Tech, school and city officials are concerned with motorist's safety at peak hours of the day.
Mayor Sue Murray said the city has been interested in traffic lights at this particular intersection for a long time.
Greencastle schools and Ivy Tech have submitted letters to INDOT addressing the need for a stoplight here, Murray added.
For a traffic signal to be recommended at an intersection, the traffic volumes must meet the minimum volumes required by the guidelines in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The minimum volumes must be met for eight hours of a normal day.
"When a count is performed, it is done in two six-hour increments; the first six hours are completed and evaluated. If the count appears it will meet the eight-hour volume, the second six-hour count is completed." Calder explained.
Engineering study data may also include vehicular volumes for each traffic movement from each approach, pedestrian volume on each crosswalk and information about nearby facilities and activity centers that serve the young, elderly and disabled.
The MUTCD states, "Satisfaction of a single traffic signal warrant, with documented engineering study/review, can be justification for the installation of a traffic signal at a specific location."
INDOT has conducted this study at Veterans Memorial and First Street, but it does not meet the criteria for a traffic signal at this time.
"However, INDOT discussions are continuing with city officials and the schools regarding this intersection," Debbie Cadler of INDOT said.
Traffic lights with loop detectors will be installed at U.S. 231 and Veteran's Memorial Highway during the $1.5 million INDOT project set to begin next year.