The construction of a long-awaited pedestrian bridge across US 41 and Washington Avenue in Evansville was announced Thursday morning.
Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) Board member Mike Duckworth isn’t sure how many Bosse High School students cross US 41 at Washington Avenue, but he knows they’re taking a risk just to get to school. He describes the challenges as “playing frogger” with traffic.
“This project, I think, will ensure not only students getting here without playing ‘Frogger’ out in the middle of the road and, and stopping in the middle of the median and letting thousands of cars go by. But it's also going to help the neighborhood.”
He referenced the churches and convenience stores people also need to access on foot.
Discussed for decades, the project will cost $7.8 million dollars with state and local funds, and will be wheelchair accessible.
The Project is led by the Indiana Department of Transportation. Gary Brian with INDOT said this will be a ”reduced conflict intersection” by making it a median U-turn instead of a left turn.
“This gives them a chance to turn around, do what they need to do. It has been proven to work throughout the state, especially in this district.”
Of this project finally getting underway, he said “this is a big day.”
Bosse Senior Fabiola Joseph, 17, can see this footbridge making a big difference.
“I've seen students that have had to try to run and get across so cars don't rush them over. It's been a hard situation to see. But this project I'm really thankful for it because it provides a safer alternate route for students, especially younger kids that are coming from Washington that need to pass this bridge to get home.”
Duckworth said he’s grateful this is happening — and not prompted by a tragedy. He said a student was injured, but not seriously, more than a decade ago.
Rusty Fowler is INDOT Deputy Commissioner for this district — the INDOT Vincennes District, with 4,400 lane roads, more than 1,000 bridges and traffic 450 signals.
Fowler said this is the busiest area of the district.
Duckworth said the catalyst for the project kickoff might have been the visit from Governor Eric Holcomb, who toured the intersection with Mayor Lloyd Winnicke and Deputy Mayor Steven Schaefer.
Duckworth said it also took calls to US congresspeople.
More on Reduced Conflict Intersections
Gary Brian with INDOT said these are planned in the Lloyd 4U project, and are already operating in Oaktown, Carlisle, and Dale. According to INDOT, these intersections reduce injuries and fatalities by 81-percent by reducing conflict points, and eliminating most high-speed conflict points.
The traffic light will be removed. Anyone driving down US-41 will make left and right turns almost normally.
Any drivers coming from Washington will always make a right turn — there’s no crossing US 41. Drivers wishing to continue on Washington will make a U-turn and then turn right on Washinton Ave.
To turn left onto US-41, also make a U-turn and continue the intended direction. This intersection type is supposed to be less expensive to maintain, and shorten wait times at the light.
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