Drivers Share Concerns Over Construction Barrels Along Highway 41 in Southern Knox County

KNOX COUNTY, Ind. — While the drive on Highway 41 between Vincennes and Decker is getting smoother, some drivers say navigating the construction zone during the paving project has been anything but smooth.

Several drivers have reported encountering construction barrels extending into the open travel lane, with some saying they have had to drive onto the shoulder of the highway to avoid hitting them.

On October 18, We Are Knox County documented several areas where construction barrels appeared to extend into the only lane open to traffic.

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Some barrels had been knocked over and were lying in the road.

Similar conditions were observed during another drive through the construction zone on November 4.

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More than 150 people commented on a Facebook post by made WAKC’s Nathan Springfield about the conditions, with many sharing similar experiences and concerns.

Susan said she had encountered barrels extending into the travel lane.

“We had to drive more in the shoulder than in the lane because the barrels were in the driving lane. Someone’s job should be to check barrel placement every day to try to keep everyone safe,” she wrote.

Karen, who said she travels the highway twice a day, shared a similar concern.

“One barrel was in the direct center of the lane the other morning which almost caused a huge accident,” she wrote.

Other drivers reported encountering barrels that had already been knocked over.

Vince described striking a barrel while traveling through the construction zone before daylight.

“The barrel had been hit already and was lying on its side, but the black base was facing me, and I didn’t see it until I hit it. It went flying, and the driver behind me had to swerve to avoid it,” he wrote.

Have you experienced any issues with the placement of construction barrels along Highway 41 between Vincennes and Decker?

• Yes, I've encountered issues with barrel placement.
• No, I haven't experienced any issues.
• I haven't traveled through this construction zone.

We Are Knox County reached out to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to find out who is responsible for maintaining the barrels, how frequently they are inspected and what drivers should do if they encounter potential hazards.

INDOT confirmed it was aware of issues involving barrel placement and had contacted the project’s primary contractor on Monday and Wednesday of last week to address them.

“The contractor for the project is responsible for the barrels,” INDOT said in its response to WAKC News Now.

INDOT also outlined how frequently the construction barrels are inspected.

“Traffic control devices are inspected daily to ensure they are properly aligned, clean, and visible.

Inspections are done intermittently during evenings and weekends,” INDOT stated.

In response to a separate question about displaced barrels, INDOT added:

“Routine checks occur every morning and evening during work days. Barrels are also adjusted during the work week to accommodate any work that is occurring.”

However, INDOT said there is not a contractor representative or anyone from the department on-site around the clock.

As for drivers having to drive partially onto the shoulder, INDOT says that may be necessary when paving crews are actively working.

“Where milling and paving crews are present and working, the equipment will extend to the exact centerline of the roadway to be able to pave new asphalt,” INDOT explained.

The department said a safety buffer is needed between construction workers and passing vehicles, which can require drivers to partially use the shoulder.

Some drivers also commented on the Facebook post, reporting damage to their vehicles while traveling through the construction zone.

Haley said her vehicle was damaged after a semi struck a construction barrel.

“I recently drove through there and a semi hit a barrel and it came at my car and the bottom of it hit under my bumper and tore up a piece of my car,” she wrote.

However, when asked whether any incidents involving construction barrels had been reported, INDOT responded: “INDOT is not aware of any incidents at this time.”

INDOT told WAKC News Now that drivers who experience vehicle damage while traveling through the construction zone can report the incident or file a claim through its customer service website at INDOT4u.com.

Drivers can also use the website to report displaced barrels or other potential roadway hazards.

During another drive through the area Sunday, November 8, We Are Knox County observed that the barrels appeared to be lined up more consistently, with none visibly out of place during that drive.

INDOT says the paving project is expected to be completed by mid-to-late November, weather permitting.

Drivers traveling through the construction zone are reminded to slow down and use caution.