A busy stretch of Main Street in front of Carmel High School and the new Library building will see major changes this summer. The City of Carmel, Carmel Clay Public Library and Carmel Clay Schools have been working closely together to develop a plan for these new intersections to slow traffic and enhance safety at crosswalks used primarily by students.
The new Main Street will feature two new roundabouts – at Lexington Drive and 4th Avenue East (soon to be renamed Richland Avenue) – both of which will have raised pedestrian crossings and enhanced lighting. The four lanes of Main Street will be reduced to two (one in each direction) and a new landscaped median will be installed in the middle of the roadway. In addition, there will be two new mid-block crossings with rapid flashing beacons and pedestrian refuges, safety areas in the median for pedestrians crossing the road.
Work is expected to begin on or after May 26 after school is out for summer break. Substantial completion is expected prior to the start of school in August.
“I want to thank our partners at the School and Library for working with our Engineering staff to develop a plan that will enhance the safety of students and patrons of the new library,” said Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard. “We believe these changes will help make this area more walkable and sustainable for all pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists who use Main Street on a daily basis.”
During construction, Main Street will be closed to thru traffic from 4th Avenue East to Lexington Boulevard, just east of the high school. Detours will be posted, and the following provisions will be made for local traffic:
- Access to the Lexington Concord neighborhood will be maintained from City Center Drive, Blairsden Avenue and Carlin Drive.
- Access to Carmel Elementary school will be possible via Elm Street and Carmel View.
- Carmel High School will be accessible from Smoky Row as well as 2nd Street Northeast from the west during the summer months.
- Pedestrian routes will be defined and marked.
- Vehicular detour routes around this closure will use Smoky Row, Range Line Road, Keystone Parkway and City Center Drive.
The project will go out to bid soon. The bid will be awarded to the lowest responsive bidder, at which time the project budget will be known.