(Batesville, IN) – Batesville City Council heard Monday night from residents and business owners concerned about potential traffic changes to State Road 46.
INDOT responded to Mayor John Irrgang’s request to review safety issues on 46. He cited statistics indicating an average of 1.2 crashes on 46 per week.
There has been talk that the road will be reduced from four lanes to two in both directions from Mitchell to Merkel with a center turn lane added.
Hillendale Commons resident Terry Messerschmidt was one of those voicing opposition to the plan, saying reverting to two lanes will impede traffic flow.
“There’s approximately, per INDOT, 14- to 16-thousand cars that transverse it every day,” Messerschmidt said. “It doesn’t change the fact that Rumpke will still pick up trash on 46, the mail will still need to be delivered daily there…school buses pickup children.”
She adds it would be illegal for someone to use the center turn lane to pass a stopped mail or garbage truck. Also, not on board with the idea are truck company representatives.
“They’ve also expressed their concerns with a number of semis that go down that road daily,” she added. “It is not a downtown corridor. It is a bypass and should remain as a bypass for traffic to continue to flow.”
Mayor Irrgang emphasized that INDOT has not shown him any plans or designs.
Messerschmidt is urging residents to contact the agency, Gov. Mike Braun, state lawmakers and city leaders.
INDOT will hold a public meeting sometime in early May at the Batesville High School auditorium. The time and date haven’t been announced.
