A pedestrian safety study has been completed on State Road 19/Cassopolis Street from Bristol Street to Windsor Avenue in Elkhart. The study was conducted by INDOT with help from the Michiana Area Council of Governments.
Elkhart Mayor Tim Neese requested the study after a rash of injury and fatality crashes on that stretch of road within the past few years.
INDOT reviewed crash data, road design, speed in the area, traffic conditions, signage, pavement markings, and pedestrian counts collected by MACOG, among other factors.
The study recommended the following improvements:
- Existing traffic signals could be modified for pedestrian signal indications, ramps and crosswalks at the following locations: Cassopolis Street and Windsor Avenue – north approach, Cassopolis Street and County Road 6 – south approach, Cassopolis Street and Bristol Street – north approach.
- Mid-block crossings could be installed and include a rectangular rapid flashing beacon, a pedestrian refuge island in the center two-way left turn lane, striping, signage and curb ramps at the following locations: approximately 230 feet north of Woodlawn Avenue, approximately 150 feet south of South Drive, approximately 100 feet north of Emerson Drive.
The city hopes to include these crossings in the sidewalk project that is currently under design along the west side of Cassopolis Street between Bristol Street and Windsor Avenue. This federally funded project is expected to bid in 2018.
Mayor Neese said will will consider any modifications or changes that INDOT proposed to make Cassopolis Street more safe for pedestrians and vehicle traffic.
