By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Representatives for the Indiana Department of Transportation released an update on their ProPEL US 30 study during a March 27 media briefing.

Including their study on US 31, the study teams have identified potential alternatives at 85 intersections to address needs and desired outcomes along each corridor. These options are detailed in a draft of a Level 2 screening report, which evaluates location-specific improvements for constructability, fiscal responsibility and potential impacts. The improvements considered in this step were identified from the Universe of Alternatives (Level 1) screening results. The screening process included consideration of location-specific safety and operational data, public input, traffic analysis, potential impacts and a conceptual footprint comparison.

The Level 2 screening report, which is over 300 pages long, may be viewed online.

A report on the western portion of the US 30 corridor, which includes Marshall County, may also be viewed online.

Local counties involved with these studies include Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall and Whitley Counties.

The public may also use an interactive map to view these proposals.

ProPEL US 30 has upcoming community office hour events. These are informal, in-person conversations where community members can ask questions, provide input and receive regular updates. Those events will take place at the following times, dates, and locations:

• 3:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 – Warsaw Community Public Library
• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20 – Pete Thorne Center (Kosciusko County Farmers and Artists Winter Market)
• 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 24 – Peabody Public Library, Columbia City
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 8 – Peabody Public Library
• 3-5 p.m. Thursday, May 9 – Pierceton Public Library

INDOT will continue to rely on public feedback through the study’s conclusion, which is expected in late 2024.

Listed below are intersections within Kosciusko County that are included in the study. More details on what is being considered for each can be viewed online.

SR 19 – Etna Green

In the last five years, there have been 34 vehicle accidents at this intersection, including one fatality.

Improvement concepts currently being carried forward for potential development and evaluation include converting to an interchange, utilizing traffic signal improvements, or developing an unsignalized reduced conflict intersection. Additional possibilities include improving access management strategies at nearby intersections along SR 19, improving SR 19’s skew angle with US 30, and adding/extending acceleration lanes.

The report states an interchange would not be recommended, but may be considered at or near the intersection as part of free flow alternatives to be evaluated.

CR 800W – Atwood

In the last five years, there have been 32 vehicle accidents at this intersection.

Improvement concepts currently being carried forward for potential development and evaluation include converting to an interchange; converting the intersection to a right-in, right-out only configuration; utilizing traffic signal improvements; and improving CR 800W’s skew angle.

The report states an interchange would not be recommended, but may be considered at or near the intersection as part of free flow alternatives to be evaluated.

Fox Farm Road – Warsaw

In the last five years, there have been 10 vehicle accidents at this intersection.

Improvement concepts currently being carried forward for potential development and evaluation include converting to an interchange, implementing a crossroad overpass, and converting the intersection to a right-in, right-out only configuration.

An interchange is not recommended but may be considered at or near the location as part of free flow alternatives, as the City of Warsaw has identified the area for commercial growth. The report further states a crossroad overpass is not recommended but a grade separation of Fox Farm Road crossing over US 30 will be considered due to a low number of turns to/from US 30.

CR 150W – Warsaw

In the last five years, there have been 73 vehicle accidents at this intersection, including one fatality.

Public comments currently received regarding this intersection include safety concerns with the large amount of truck traffic from Warsaw Tech Park. The public is also focused on preservation of lakes and streams in the area and improving safety at signalized intersections.

Improvement concepts currently being carried forward for potential development and evaluation include creating a crossroad overpass, converting the intersection to a right-in, right-out only configuration, and utilizing traffic signal improvements.

North SR 15/US 30 Junction – Warsaw

In the last five years, there have been 18 crashes on SR 15 at this location.

Improvement concepts currently being carried forward for potential development and evaluation include utilizing traffic signal improvements and a roundabout.

South SR 15/US 30 Junction – Warsaw

In the last five years, there have been 28 crashes on SR 15 at this location.

Improvement concepts currently being carried forward for potential development and evaluation include utilizing traffic signal improvements and a roundabout.

Anchorage Road – Warsaw

In the last five years, there have been 114 crashes at this location. Of these, 75 were rear-end accidents.

Public comments currently received regarding this area include an increase in truck traffic causing safety issues. Mobility on Anchorage Road is also becoming congested with traffic. Safe bike and pedestrian accommodations are also needed, specifically to cross US 30.

Improvement concepts currently being carried forward for potential development and evaluation include creating a crossroad overpass, converting the intersection to a right-in, right-out only configuration, utilizing traffic signal improvements, and a roundabout. Adding or lengthening turn lanes is also being considered.

Meijer Drive – Warsaw

In the last five years, there have been 61 crashes at this location.

Public comments on this area thus far include the need for access management and safe pedestrian and bicycle connections. A bicycle facility parallel to US 30 from this location, south to Dubois Drive, is also needed.

Improvement concepts currently being carried forward for potential development and evaluation include converting the intersection to a right-in, right-out only intersection and utilizing traffic signal improvements.

Springhill Road – Warsaw

In the last five years, there have been 42 vehicle accidents at this location.

Improvement concepts currently being carried forward for potential development and evaluation include converting the intersection to a T-interchange, changing the intersection to a right-in, right-out only intersection, and utilizing traffic signal improvements.

Parker Street – Warsaw

In the last five years, there have been 173 crashes at this location, including one fatality. Out of these accidents, 114 were rear-end collisions.

Multiple public comments have already been received on this area. The closure of Parker Street is heavily opposed to due to nearby hospitals and residential areas. Truck traffic going to the Menards shopping center would also be rerouted through residential neighborhoods. The public has also stated improvements to the intersection are needed in less than 10 years.

Improvement concepts currently being carried forward for potential development and evaluation include converting the intersection to an interchange, developing an underpass, and utilizing traffic signal improvements. Adjacent intersection improvements currently impacting operations along Parker Street and US 30 are also being considered.

Center Street – Warsaw

In the last five years, there have been 90 crashes at this location, with 47 of those being rear-end collisions.

Public comments received thus far on this intersection include issues with speeding vehicles and the need for a non-stop express lane along US 30 from CR 250E to SR 15. Safety with traffic crossing US 30 is also a concern.

Improvement concepts currently being carried forward for potential development and evaluation include converting the intersection to an interchange, developing an underpass, and utilizing traffic signal improvements. Adjacent intersection improvements currently impacting operations along Center Street and US 30 are also being considered.

Old US 30 – Warsaw

In the last five years, there have been 105 crashes at this location, with 64 of those being rear-end collisions.

Public comments received on this intersection include concerns with trucks not being able to slow down or stop for vehicles turning right. People traveling out of their way to avoid US 30 would be impacted by intersection closures. Safe pedestrian and bicycle connections across US 30 are also needed.

Improvement concepts currently being carried forward for potential development and evaluation include converting the intersection to an interchange, creating a right-in, right-out only configuration, and utilizing traffic signal improvements.

Commerce Drive – Warsaw

In the last five years, there have been 48 crashes at this location.

Improvement concepts currently being carried forward for potential development and evaluation include configuring a right-in, right-out only intersection and utilizing traffic signal improvements.

CR 250E – Warsaw

In the last five years, there have been 49 accidents at this location.

Improvement concepts currently being carried forward for potential development and evaluation include converting to an interchange, utilizing traffic signal improvements, and creating a roundabout. Adjacent intersection improvements currently impacting operations along CR 250E and US 30 are also needed.

SR 13 – Pierceton

In the last five years, there have been 59 accidents at this location.

Improvement concepts currently being carried forward for potential development and evaluation include converting to an interchange and utilizing traffic signal improvements. Adjacent intersection improvements currently impacting operations along SR 13 and US 30 are also needed. SR 13’s skew angle with US 30 may also be improved.