9/8/25 - By: Mr.Newz
In the field of transportation engineering, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is implementing a Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI) design to improve safety at key locations. Beginning on or around September 15, 2025, this configuration will be installed at the intersection of State Road 37 and Wesley Chapel Road in Lawrence County, near Bedford, with a similar setup planned for Washboard Road. The design aims to reduce direct conflicts between vehicles, though it has prompted some discussion among locals.
At the RCI, vehicles on Wesley Chapel Road intending to cross State Road 37 or turn left will instead turn right onto the highway, merge into the left lane, and perform a U-turn at a designated median opening further along. This eliminates the need to cross opposing high-speed traffic. Left turns from State Road 37 onto the side roads remain permitted. The project incorporates elements such as dedicated turn lanes, enhanced drainage, upgraded lighting, and median U-turn facilities, without requiring additional land acquisition or permanent right-of-way changes.
INDOT emphasizes the safety benefits of this approach, which restricts left-turn and through movements from the side roads, thereby reducing potential collision points. Evaluations of comparable RCIs in Indiana indicate reductions in fatal and serious injury crashes by up to 78%. The initial phase involves lane restrictions on northbound and southbound State Road 37, while keeping passing lanes operational. The work is anticipated to conclude within one construction season, subject to weather conditions, at an estimated cost of $4.6 million.
For insight into local perspectives on such roadway changes, we spoke with Louis P. DeLoupe, the Coordinator of Traffic Circles, Round Drives, Roundabouts, and Circular Crosswalks. A transplant to Bedford educated at the Norwegian School of Road Science, DeLoupe was featured in the Southern Indiana Digest article discussing traffic circles referred to in its title as "Urban Herpes" and their expansion in the area. He provided his views on the RCI during a meeting at a local establishment.
Mr.Newz: As the Coordinator of Traffic Circles, Round Drives, Roundabouts, and Circular Crosswalks, you have extensive experience with alternative intersection designs. The Southern Indiana Digest article used the term "Urban Herpes" for traffic circles does this characterization apply to the new Reduced Conflict Intersections on State Road 37?
Louis P. DeLoupe: While I'm not onboard with the term, "Urban Herpes" it does suggest a tendency for these designs to proliferate once introduced, due to their efficiency in certain contexts. In the case of the RCI, it introduces a curved element to what was previously a linear configuration, similar to roundabouts. Because our previous projects use square footage to measure for materials needed, we are using our surplus now at the end of the year to install as many U-Turns as possible.
Mr.Newz: Some residents express concerns that the U-turns may complicate routine travel. Are there implications for standard vehicles or larger ones?
DeLoupe: While the design alters direct paths, it transforms each journey into a more structured experience. For larger vehicles, the median dimensions may necessitate using adjacent interchanges for wider maneuvers. This could extend travel slightly, but it promotes a sense of engagement. Businesses may need to adapt signage to highlight access points. Who doesn't love pretending like you are passing your destination, only to get there in a new way? I know I do, and what an absolute treat for passenger's you'd like to rib!
Mr.Newz: INDOT reports significant crash reductions, yet there are mentions of increased minor incidents and challenges for pedestrians or emergency services. How do you assess this?
DeLoupe: The data supports a decrease in severe accidents, contributing to public safety. Minor collisions at signalized points may occur initially, and pedestrians will encounter extended crossings, but adaptation occurs over time. For emergency services, the rerouting is manageable with familiarity. In Bedford, these changes align with broader goals, such as reducing driver anxiety and fostering inclusivity straight roadways can sometimes convey an overly rigid message in today's environment. Just as with John Williams Blvd, being not completely straight helps a town get with the times.
Mr.Newz: What guidance would you offer to drivers in Lawrence County?
DeLoupe: I recommend reviewing signage and allowing time for adjustment. Progress in roadway design often involves initial shifts, but the long-term benefits in safety and flow are evident.
DeLoupe's perspective reflects ongoing discussions, akin to debates over introducing new elements into established systems. Residents may note added travel time from U-turns, which could extend trips by seconds or minutes. Drivers unfamiliar with the layout might require orientation, prompting INDOT to provide educational resources. Larger vehicles, such as trucks or agricultural equipment, may face constraints in the medians, leading to alternative routing and minor fuel increases. Local businesses could experience reduced spontaneous visits due to indirect access. Pedestrians and cyclists will navigate longer paths, potentially heightening exposure to traffic. Although major crashes decline, minor accidents, such as rear-end collisions at signals, may rise temporarily. Emergency vehicles might encounter slight delays from the modified routes. However, research indicates that users generally adjust, and the safety improvements justify the changes in Indiana's efforts to create more efficient intersections.
Ultimately, the Reduced Conflict Intersection could enhance traffic flow on State Road 37, promoting safer conditions. Caution is advised during the transition. Drive carefully, Lawrence County.
