As the widening of Illinois Road nears its conclusion, residents in that area want to make it easier to turn across the extra lanes.
Q. One intersection that is very tough is the one at Illinois and Scott roads. Whether you are going north or south on Scott Road, there is no left-turn arrow. Is there any plan to change these lights? – Glenn McMillin, Fort Wayne
A. Well, Glenn, the best answer I can give you is maybe.
Dana Plattner, district traffic engineer with the Indiana Department of Transportation, said his office has received numerous requests to add turn arrows at this intersection in the past few months. To ensure the area is safe, the state plans to conduct a traffic study to determine whether green arrows are needed on Scott.
Unfortunately, that study can’t be done until construction is completed along Illinois. Plattner said traffic patterns change during construction, so it’s important to see how the road is used when complete. After drivers have had a chance to adjust to the new road this summer, the state will conduct its study.
On a side note, this intersection will likely change when the state does its next Illinois Road widening project from Scott to West Hamilton Road in 2012. So drivers should enjoy the road this summer and next year because crews will be back out there soon enough.
Q. Will there be designated left-turn arrows off Illinois Road to turn north or south at Timberlake Trail? – Louise McCracken
A. Unfortunately, Louise, you are going to have to wait to turn here.
Plattner said the traffic volume on Timberlake doesn’t warrant a green turn arrow. While there are lanes available for cars waiting to turn at Timberlake, it looks as if you’ll have to continue without the assistance of an arrow.
Diverging diamond
This week I wrote about a new interchange concept being discussed for Dupont Road and Interstate 69.
The state is examining a diverging diamond interchange to improve traffic flow in the area. What will likely be most shocking to drivers is that it would have vehicles traveling on the left side of the road for a short distance to allow unimpeded left and right turns onto the interstate.
The concept may seem a bit confusing and is far too complicated for me to explain in a few paragraphs, but people interested in it should check out these websites for additional information and videos: www.divergingdiamond.com and www.435ddi.com.
Radio Sage
This week’s bonus audio question comes from Dan and Jan, who ask about speed limits on Bass Road. The segment originally aired Friday afternoon on WOWO-AM 1190 and can be heard online at www.journalgazette.net/roadsage.
