Indianapolis Department of Public Works Improves Traffic Safety
INDIANAPOLIS – To address intersection-related accidents, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works has initiated a program designed to identify and improve the overall safety of the top 100 intersections with the highest accident rate in Indianapolis/Marion County. DPW is developing a comprehensive database that will allow the engineers to design strategies and make recommendations on intersection improvements that will reduce potential conflicts among vehicles while providing ease of movement. The database will analyze the following: Physical and operational characteristics of street, Average daily traffic volumes, Turn MovementsVehicle accident data from 2003 to present. "Through the development of this database, we will have the ability to address intersection-related accidents in a comprehensive and focused manner," said DPW Director Kumar Menon.
The first location to receive improvements under this new program is the intersection of W. Washington St. and the Indianapolis Zoo entrance. Improvements include: Rumble Strips: Rumble strips will be installed on W. Washington St., both east and west of the intersection, which will help alert drivers of the signal ahead. The strips will be accompanied by "Signal Ahead" signage. Signal Back-Plates: Signal back-plates will be installed for the eastbound and westbound W. Washington St. traffic signals. The back-plates will provide a larger target viewing area that may result in better signal visibility. Light Emitting Diodes: The traffic signal at this intersection will be retrofitted with more energy-efficient LED technology. LEDs appear brighter then the standard incandescent lights but use less energy to operate. All Red Clearance: The all-red clearance interval was increased to help reduce intersection accidents, particularly those related to signal violations.
The top 10 intersections targeted for improvements are: Southport Rd. & Emerson Ave.; 56th & Georgetown Rd.; 10th & Tibbs Ave.; 71st & Georgetown Rd.; 71st & Michigan Rd.; 38th & High School Rd.; 79th & Michigan Rd.; Raymond St. & Shelby St.; 62nd & Allisonville Rd.; and Georgetown Rd. & Lafayette Rd. In addition, State Farm Insurance Company has ranked four intersections, 71st & Michigan Rd., 86th & Michigan Rd., 86th & Township Line Rd. and 21st & Shadeland Ave., among the ten most dangerous in Indiana. The safety improvements at these intersections will be funded 100% via Federal Hazard Elimination and Safety funds. Improvements include, but are not limited to, placement of new pavement markings, relocation of signs for greater visibility, construction of new medians to reduce turning conflicts, installation of LED signals and construction of new bus turnouts or extension of sidewalks to improve access to bus stops.
