INDOT announces temporary safety measures for dangerous Argos intersection

The Indiana Department of Transportation will implement temporary safety improvements at the intersection of U.S. 31 and State Road 10 in Argos within the next few weeks, following an outpouring of community advocacy and concerns about the dangerous crossing.

INDOT officials met with local leaders in Argos on Friday to present the planned safety measures, which will be implemented while longer-term solutions are developed.

The U.S. 31 and State Road 10 intersection has long been recognized as a dangerous crossing. Ed Barcus, president of the Argos Town Council, has led efforts to campaign to state officials and INDOT for improvements to save lives.

Mark VanDerWeele, director of development for Argos, detailed the planned changes during Monday's "What's Your Opinion Show" on GIANT fm WTCA. The temporary improvements include a speed limit reduction on U.S. 31.  The speed limit will be lowered from 60 mph to 50 mph through the intersection area.  Rumble strips will be installed north and south of the intersection on U.S. 31 to alert drivers, and new pavement markings in the median will be installed to reduce the number of vehicles in the crossover area and guide proper positioning. Implementation is expected within the next few weeks to two months.

INDOT originally proposed installing J-turns—also known as restricted crossing U-turns to improve safety at the intersection in 2017. J-turns eliminate direct left turns and U-turns at intersections, requiring drivers to turn right and then make a U-turn at a designated median opening.

However, major opposition from Argos residents, businesses, and Marshall County citizens stopped that plan. VanDerWeele said INDOT has continued working to find acceptable solutions to improve intersection safety.

Indiana State Police troopers and Argos Police Department officers have increased their presence at the intersection as an additional measure to improve driver attention and safety.

The temporary measures are designed to provide immediate safety improvements while INDOT continues to develop the longer-term design for the intersection that is expected to be constructed in 2028.