Speeding Concerns Ignite Outrage in Mishawaka’s South Side Neighborhood

Photo byRaelynn Lee, WSBT 22 Reporter

In the south side of Mishawaka, residents are voicing their frustration over a growing problem of speeding that has taken a toll on their once-quiet neighborhood. As construction along the US 20 Bypass creates congestion, drivers are increasingly using Ireland Road as an alternate route, ignoring the 30-mile-per-hour speed limit and turning the area into a racetrack.

Ireland Road, stretching between Bremen Highway and Ireland Trail, has become a focal point of concern for local residents. The speed at which drivers zoom through this residential area has alarmed those living nearby, leading to calls for increased enforcement and greater safety measures.

David Yates, a long-time resident since 1987, has taken matters into his own hands. Equipped with a radar gun, Yates frequently monitors speeding vehicles from his front yard. His observations are concerning: “This morning, I saw speeds of 55 miles per hour. There’s been some semi trucks going 59 to 60 miles per hour,” Yates reported.

The increased traffic on Ireland Road is directly linked to ongoing construction on the US 20 Bypass. As drivers seek to bypass the backed-up exit for 331, they are flocking to the neighborhood roads, often treating them as high-speed shortcuts rather than respecting residential speed limits. “The exit for 331 is usually backed up all the way down to the bypass, and that means everyone is trying to avoid the construction on the bypass and they know they can get away with it over here on this road,” Yates explained.

Susan Weller, another resident, highlighted the personal safety risks posed by the speeding issue. “I’ve been on this cane for about four months and I go out to get my mail and it’s rather scary. I’m pretty independent but yeah, and you don’t dare back out. You have to turn around your driveway and go out,” Weller said.

The community’s call for action is clear: increased police patrols and enforcement measures are needed to address the speeding problem and ensure the safety of all residents. As the construction continues and traffic patterns shift, the urgency to tackle this issue only grows.