Drivers northbound on South Union Street will only be allowed to turn right.

WARSAW — After much discussion during the Warsaw Common Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 7, the board concurred with the decision made by the Warsaw Traffic Commission to make South Union Street a right-turn only northbound onto Winona Avenue.

Warsaw Police Department Captain Kip Shuter, who is also chairman of the traffic commission, spoke to the board about the lengthy process gone through regarding the intersection. Last fall, a study relieved the intersection had a high rate of accidents, with 15 accidents occurring since 2014. After this discovery, INDOT has been working to find a solution.

The intersection of South Union Street and Winona Avenue is tricky because of a nearby hillcrest and close proximity to school grounds. Shuter explained that right angle collisions lead to the highest amount of injuries and damage, explaining the right-turn only recommendation.

The decision didn’t come without opposition. Councilman Mike Klondaris made it clear that he was against the recommendation.

“There is a problem, but I believe it is a speeding problem,” said Klondaris. “Now you’ve got traffic flowing through smaller streets and neighborhoods with kids. If I was a school teacher, I’d tell you to go back with this report and give a better answer.”

Mayor Joseph Thallemer explained that with the current recommendation the situation would be reevaluated after a year to see if progress has been made at the intersection. This solution would be a quick and cost effective method for INDOT, meaning the project could be completed before school begins next week.

Councilmembers Cindy Dobbins and Jack Wilhite also serve on the traffic commission. They explained that the have the same concerns as Klondaris, but this is the first step to getting something done with the intersection. “At this point of time this is what [INDOT] is willing to do,” said Dobbins. “It’s a step to do something.”

After agreeing that this may be the only way to quickly address the issue, the board passed the agreement with a 5-1 vote. Councilman Ron Shoemaker voted against the agreement.

INDOT will now place the signage and road markings for the right-turn only. Representatives were hopeful that the updates would be made before school begins. The board will then revisit the decision in a year to look at progress.