LOGANSPORT — The Indiana Department of Transportation has hit the brakes on six J-turn projects in northern Indiana, according to two state legislators and the transportation department.
Over the past few months, INDOT officials have shared proposals for two J-turn intersections on U.S. 24 in Cass County and four along U.S. 31 in Marshall and Miami counties. Many residents have been fighting the projects, voicing their concerns at public meetings and hearings.
State Rep. Bill Friend, R-Macy, and state Sen. Randy Head, R-Logansport, said in a Tuesday press release that INDOT decided to nix its proposal to install J-turns at County Road 600 East and Logansport Road on U.S. 24 and the four on U.S. 31 at Indiana 218, Indiana 18, Indiana 10 and Indiana 110.
“This announcement comes after several conversations with local officials, INDOT and the governor’s office,” Friend said. “Ultimately, it came down to the public. They came out, voiced their concerns and let INDOT know how J-turns could impact our community. I want to thank INDOT for their willingness to listen to our concerns.”
Doug Moats, public information officer for the INDOT LaPorte District, confirmed the cancellation of the project proposals.
“INDOT will continue to monitor traffic safety conditions along the U.S. 31 corridor,” Moats said in an email. “We will continue our open dialogue with residents, business, owners and local officials while keeping all options on the table for improving safety and mobility in the long-term.”
Head tweeted about the announcement on Tuesday. He represents Cass and Marshall counties. “Thanks to all who appeared at public hearings or sent their comments to INDOT,” Head wrote. “YOUR PARTICIPATION HELPED!”
The department had planned on construction at the two U.S. 24 intersections to begin in 2018. INDOT has received numerous public comments at meetings and via email or regular mail.
Head and Friend recently met with Gov. Eric Holcomb and INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness to discuss the overwhelming opposition to the projects.
“Many constituents and I have voiced our opposition to J-turns to INDOT, as they would back up traffic and require vehicles to merge through four lanes of traffic to turn,” Head said in the press release. “I am pleased INDOT is willing to reexamine its original plan, and I am eager to work with INDOT to find an even better solution to the problem.”
There were 85 crashes — 50 resulting in injuries — at both 600 East and Logansport Road in the span of seven years.