Northern city residents are tired of construction, but at least they will get some amenities for their wait.
Q. The new Dupont Road westbound lanes from Tonkel Road to Interstate 69 have two lanes but absolutely no room for pedestrians or bicycles. You think that would be in the construction scheme. – Thomas E. Lindley
A. Well, Thomas, the state does have plans to make it easier and safer to travel with a bike in this area.
Jason Spreen, project engineer for the Indiana Department of Transportation, said a bike path will be constructed along Dupont Road from Tonkel Road to just in front of the Culver’s drive near the interstate. The path will be built on the south side of the road, freeing bike riders and pedestrians from having to brave heavy traffic to traverse the area.
It appears that adding sidewalks and trails to new construction projects has become the standard, so it would have been surprising if some amenities weren’t added in this area.
The trail will be constructed this summer along with the road project, which is expected to be finished in August.
Q. The new left-turn signal on Main Street turning south onto Clinton is much appreciated. If just 5 seconds were added to the arrow it would help clear out some cars and make the light worthwhile. Can our traffic engineer spare that? – Steve, Fort Wayne
A. The state looked at the signal, Steve, but don’t expect much change.
Dana Plattner, district traffic engineer for the Indiana Department of Transportation, said the state reviewed the signal during the evening rush hour and believes the amount of time given to each green signal is appropriate.
He said that the left-turn signal is intended to allow a limited number of vehicles to turn, as well as another one or two to turn when the signal turns yellow and oncoming traffic stops. With this observation, he said most vehicles don’t have to wait more than one cycle at the intersection. He did promise to continually monitor the area for future adjustments.
Q. I witnessed three SUVs westbound on Illinois Road approaching Hadley Road in the left-hand turn lane make a U-turn. Is this a place where U-turns should be prohibited? – Greg Bracht
A. Good catch, Greg, and look for some safety improvement in the near future.
The state’s Plattner said your concerns are valid, and the state will place signs prohibiting U-turns westbound on Illinois approaching Hadley. Those should be up within the next four to six weeks.
Radio Sage
This week’s audio question comes from Elaine Beltz of Fort Wayne who asks about the intersection of Auburn and Wallen roads. The segment originally aired Friday afternoon on WOWO and can be found online at www.journalgazette.net/roadsage.
