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Police: Roundabout near IMS has been effective

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) – Racing fans from across the country are making their way to Indianapolis for the race, and police said that will create heavy traffic in Speedway.

Some drivers are voicing concerns over traffic changes near the IMS, including the new roundabout.

“I’m afraid there’s going to be a lot of accidents. It’s confusing especially since we’re not used to it right now,” said Tabitha Shands of Indianapolis

Indiana State Police Sgt. Rich Myers said the roundabout has been effective so far, and he’s expecting that to continue this weekend.

“We’re able to get traffic through it quickly,” Myers said. “It seems like people are utilizing it and understanding what they need to do.”

If any traffic needs to be rerouted, Myers said officers will adjust quickly, including monitoring traffic throughout the weekend and especially on Sunday.

“It turns into a great big city here for one day,” he said.

Ashlee Huffman of Lebanon, who has made two dozen trips to the race, said traffic is typically bumper-to-bumper on race day but she has a game plan.

“We get in right before the pre-race festivities and we get out the minute the flag drops,” she said.

Huffman said she knows her exact route and parking spot every year.