Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, September 30, 2016
(SWITZ CITY) - Motorists in Greene County will see a new traffic pattern at the intersection of State Road 54/57 beginning Monday, October 3.
The current four-way stop configuration will be converted to a two-way stop allowing east and west traffic on S.R. 54 to flow freely.
The S.R. 54/547 intersection east of Switz City was identified for improvement due to congestion issues that significantly slowed the flow of traffic. The resulting traffic count revealed that 71 percent of vehicles travel east and west bound (around 7,000 cars per day) and 29 percent of vehicles travel north and southbound around 2,100 cars per day).
The new two-way stop allows free-flow of traffic on S.R. 54. Traffic on S.R. 57 will still be required to make a full stop and then proceed when a safe opportunity presents itself. New markings and appropriate signage will be in place during the transition. Motorists will also have advanced warning from overhead flashing lights with red signals for S.R. 57 traffic and yellow signals for S.R. 54. INDOT will also temporarily place dynamic message boards at the intersection, loaded with messages about the new configuration.
INDOT considered several potential solutions at this intersection before deciding on a two-way stop. One of those solutions was a roundabout; this option was not chosen because it would have required a major construction project. A project of that size was not justified based on existing conditions, traffic counts and crash data. Officials also considered a traffic signal for this intersection; however, historical data suggests that signals potentially increase the risk of rear-end crashes at intersections with similar traffic volume.
Drivers are asked to stay alert during the transition, especially during peak traffic hours in the morning and late afternoon. INDOT will continue to monitor the progress of this intersection and make adjustments as needed.
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