New traffic signals aim to reduce crashes

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Several areas in central Indiana will soon have new traffic signals.

The Indiana Department of Transportation will change 364 traffic signal as part of a statewide effort to reduce the number of crashes at intersections with traffic signals. Old signals will be removed and new signal heads will be installed along U.S. Highway 31 in Greenwood, U.S. 50 in Seymour, and State Road 46 in Bloomington.

Workers will begin installing the new traffic signals in mid-May. The signals will have retroreflective backplates with yellow reflective borders. INDOT said the black backplate will allow drivers to better see the traffic signal. The 3-inch yellow reflective border will alert drivers of the signal’s presence during a power outage.

According to a study performed by the Federal Highway Administration, there was a 28.6 percent crash reduction after the installation of the new signal head. Personal injury crashes decreased by 36.7 percent and crashes happening in the early morning/late night hours reduced by 49.6 percent.

INDOT has finalized plans installers who work for Michiana Contract, which is based in Plymouth. The $295,763 contract calls for the installations to be completed by July 31.