VINCENNES, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - The Indiana Department of Transportation hosted a meeting Thursday evening to inform the public of changes that will be made to State Road 441 in Vincennes.
State Road 441 includes Willow Street from Ramsey Road to 6th Street, 6th Street from Willow Street to Vigo Street, and Vigo Street from 6th Street to the Memorial Bridge.
WHAT IS BEING DONE
All of State Road 441 will be completely repaved.
Willow Street from Niblack Road to 13th Street will transition from four lanes to two lanes with a center turn lane in a process called a “Road Diet.”
Willow Street from 13th Street to 6th Street will remain two lanes, but bike lanes will be added.
Upgrades will be made to drainage, and ADA-compliant curb ramps will be constructed on existing sidewalks.
Improvements will also be made to the intersections at 6th Street and Willow Street, and 6th Street and Vigo Street, so semis and other large vehicles can turn safely and easily.
WHY IT IS BEING DONE
Officials began discussing the changes in 2018.
According to INDOT, there were 142 crashes on State Road 441 between 2020 and 2022.
In those crashes, 29 people were injured and 1 person was killed.
“We want to improve safety,” INDOT Public Relations Director Gary Brian told WAKC News Now.
INDOT says Road Diets reduce rear-end and left-turn crashes.
It also reduces right-angle crashes because side street motorists only need to cross three travel lanes instead of four.
HOW PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY FEEL
Those who attended the meeting did not hesitate to share their feelings and concerns about the Road Diet.
Some people were worried about delays caused by semis and heavy equipment, how agricultural vehicles would manage to use the road, and issues related to maintenance and upkeep.
“What we have is working,” said one person. “I don’t see why we must regress to two lanes. If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.”
Not everyone who attended the meeting was against the idea.
“I think people are afraid of change,” said another person. “I already feel safer driving on Hart Street. I am excited for the change on Willow Street.”
During the meeting, one of the project leaders confirmed that the Road Diet is a “done deal.”
An INDOT official added that “nothing is final until the paint is down” and that all the concerns expressed would be taken into consideration.
“We try to keep an open mind about things. If people have concerns about this project or another project, they can share them by visiting INDOT4U.com,” Brian told WAKC News Now.
How do you feel about the changes being made to Willow Street?
I support the change from four-lanes to two-lanes.
I think it should stay as four-lanes.
PROJECT TIMELINE
Officials expect the project to start early next spring and continue through late summer or early fall.
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