INDOT warns drivers of new 4 way stop at Highway 65 and Boonville New Harmony intersection

VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ky. (WEHT) — The Indiana Department of Transportation is warning drivers of a recent traffic pattern change. Transportation officials installed a four-way stop at the intersection of Highway 65 and Boonville New Harmony Road.

“The intersection is one that we have seen an increase in crashes,” says Gary Brian, the Public Relations Director of INDOT Southwest.

Over the past three years, INDOT says there have been 11 crashes at the intersection, including 5 with severe injuries. At first, INDOT placed an intersection conflict warning system.

“Unfortunately, that did not work out,” says Brian.

This summer, INDOT decided they needed to take another step to improve safety, by installing a four-way stop.

“We work a lot of accidents at this intersection, so hopefully this cuts down on that,” says Lt. Steve Buchta of Scott Township Fire and EMS.

Scott Township Fire and EMS say they are relieved and optimistic.

“I assume that we will have a few accidents, but hopefully it slows down in the coming months as people get used to the new traffic pattern,” says Lt. Leighton Hochgesang, also of Scott Township Fire and EMS.

The fire department says some residents are not used to the change. Eyewitness News saw one person drive through the stop signs. Although INDOT says it is currently not a major problem now, they say they have resources to take action, if needed.

“When we have issues like that, we have great partners with law enforcement. So if we do see an issue that is continuing out there, that is a step that we will take,” Bryan says.

“I would highly encourage the residents that are traveling east and west on Boonville to take an extra second because those traveling north and south, they are still adjusting to the stop sign. So make sure they are stopping before you proceed through that intersection,” Lt. Buchta says.

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