(November 6, 2019) — Mayor Lloyd Winnecke and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced plans to move forward with an improved pedestrian crossing near the intersection of U.S. 41 and Washington Avenue.

Wednesday morning's announcement at Benjamin Bosse High School came after decades of requests from Evansville residents asking for a secure way to cross the intersection.

The most recent series of meetings started earlier this year. Mayor Winnecke met with INDOT officials and Bosse High School Principal Aaron Huff to fully understand the pedestrian traffic needs of his students.

Mayor Winnecke also invited Governor Eric Holcomb to the site of the intersection in October to discuss the need for improvements.

“Improving overall safety is our first priority,” said Mayor Winnecke. “Since day one, my office has been patiently working with community stakeholders and INDOT officials.

“Because of our collaborative efforts, pedestrians crossing U.S. 41 near Washington will have a safe path.”

Out of INDOT’s partnership with the City, an on-call consultant employed by the transportation agency performed a road safety audit examining multiple safety factors at this crossing and also met with stakeholders for input. The investigation determined an enhanced safety project would be appropriate for the intersection of U.S. 41 and Washington Avenue.

At this time, a design consultant has been brought on board and the project is going through the steps to determine the specifics of the project.

“As we go through this process, there are many elements to consider,” says INDOT District Commissioner Rusty Fowler. “Our goal, as we work with the City, is to deliver the right solution to best enhance the safety of everyone who uses the facilities at this location.”

The project will cost approximately $5 million and is expected to be scheduled for a late 2023 letting. Construction would begin following that process. In the meantime, INDOT has committed to making small changes to the current traffic configuration to maximize the amount of time pedestrians will have to cross.