MUNCIE — Indiana has become known for building roundabouts to solve safety issues at dangerous intersections. INDOT believes they could also be the answer in the middle of Muncie.
INDOT is planning to build roundabouts where Main and Madison Streets, also known as State Road 32, cross Jackson Street and Hackley Street. The agency estimates it could cost between $4 and $7 million.
"We're analyzing the urban roundabout design, which is designed to accommodate large vehicles such as semi-trailers, school buses, and fire trucks," said Blake Dollier of INDOT.
INDOT does not expect to build the roundabouts until 2027.
Muncie Fire Station Number 1 is on one of the corners targeted for a roundabout. Guardian Brewing Company is located diagonally across from the fire station.
"Every year, there's at least two or three wrecks at this intersection, and they're bad wrecks," said Guardian Brewing Company owner Bill Kerr. "They've ran into the sign out front, there's cars that are upside down, all kinds of stuff."
INDOT counted more than 150 crashes at the four targeted intersections between 2018 and 2020 when they were studying the traffic patterns of the area.
Kerr said one minor change has already helped his side of Muncie feel safer.
"This used to be a two-lane street and people seemed like they were racing down," Kerr said. "Since they made that one lane, traffic has slowed down quite a bit."
INDOT organized a meeting Wednesday night to tell the community about the project The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at Ivy Tech's downtown Muncie campus.
-
Boone County officials seek resident input on comprehensive plan
Residents armed with sticky notes, pens and ideas gathered for a Boone County Comprehensive Plan workshop to help map the county’s future and shape growth for the next 20 years.
Buy now, pay later can be tempting — but experts warn of financial risks
A recent survey by LegalShield found that three in four Americans are using buy now, pay later services.
Hobnob Corner Restaurant in Brown County closing after more than 40 years
The Hobnob Corner Restaurant in Nashville stayed the same, even as the leaves in Brown County changed every fall. However, the restaurant will serve its last meals once autumn is over.
Greenfield man meets pilot who delivered his lifesaving heart transplant
A Greenfield man who dedicated part of his life to saving others is now alive because of a lifesaving mission and the pilot and team behind it all.
