Greenwood’s next roundabout planned for Smith Valley and Madison Avenue

GREENWOOD, Ind. (WISH) — Greenwood city officials are asking for the public’s input in the design of a new intersection.

It will be the city’s second roundabout.

The location is planned for the intersection of Smith Valley Road and Madison Avenue.

This area has been on the city’s radar for years and it’s getting even more attention now that the number of cars is increasing in Greenwood.

“I went this way to get here today and the lights are heavily backed up,” Greenwood Village South Exec. Director, Meegan Kline said.

Kline knows the area of Smith Valley Road and Madison Avenue well.

“We live and work right near where this circle is proposed so I really just wanted to know how the circle may affect the flow of traffic in and out of our community,” she said.

She was one of a couple dozen people who asked questions at the city’s public information meeting Wednesday night. hosted by City Engineer Mark Richards.

“Probably for the last 30 years or more it’s been an issue,” he said, “It’s just a highly congested area with several traffic signals causing lengthy delays and backups.”

There are three intersections with traffic lights very close to each other on Smith Valley.

The roundabout would replace the lights at the middle intersection, Madison Avenue.

“Roundabouts are shown to reduce traffic accidents by about 45 percent and serious injury accidents and fatalities by about a little over 80 percent,” Richards said.

“It appears it’ll be a much safer route for our residents and staff,” Kline said.

80 percent of the 2.5 million dollar construction will be paid with a federal grant.

The city will also be responsible for design cost and land acquisition.

This project is in the third of its four-year planning process and the city’s asking for residents to speak up regarding the design.

“We’re soliciting public input to look at things we might have not considered,” Richards said.

The design will be finalized early next year and construction is set to be completed in 2018.

There is a mailing address and an email address to send in your concerns or ideas.

CrossRoad Engineers, Attn: Mark Beck, 3417 Sherman Dr. Beech Grove, IN 46107

mbeck@crossroadengineers.com