The traffic flow on Union Street could be changing. The Traffic Commission is recommending northbound traffic not be able to go left or forward at Winona Avenue.
The Times Union reports the commission is recommending it become a right-turn only, and they have the support INDOT.
INDOT has a role in the issue because part of Winona Avenue in the city is also part of Ind. 25. INDOT Traffic Engineer Dana Plattner explained why at a Wednesday discussion.
“We appreciate the idea of cheaper, quicker, you know, less-restrictive type of change, but we feel like if our objective is to reduce those crashes that are happening, particularly those T-bone right-angle type, we need to go to that restrictive level, which we know is not ideal, it’s not going to be received well by everyone, but from a safety standpoint, we think it’s right,” Plattner said.
From Feb. 6, 2014, to April 17, 2017, there were 15 accidents involving 32 vehicles involving nine injuries at the Union/Winona intersection, according to statistics provided by the Commission.
From May 2016 to June 1, 2017, there were seven accidents with five injuries in three of those accidents.
The Union Street matter will go before the City Council for approval on Monday. If approved, the issue will be re-examined after a year.
