The Indiana Department of Transportation has announced the completion of the State Road 37 and Strawtown Avenue roundabout and bridge deck overlay project. The intersection at SR 37 and Strawtown Avenue is now open to traffic.
The need for the improvement comes from a goal to improve safety at the intersection by improving sight distance and reducing drivers’ speeds. Accident data suggest a significant number of right angle collisions due to Strawtown Avenue traffic crossing or turning onto SR 37, and although the speed limit was lowered from 55 mph to 40 mph in 2014, high speeds continue to be observed at the location.
The roundabout will ensure a significant increase in safety, due to the fact that compared to traditional intersections, roundabouts cause an 82 percent reduction in fatalities and injuries and a 44 percent reduction in overall crashes.