Hobart roundabout greeted with mixed reviews
A proposed $1.68 million single-lane roundabout at Indiana 51 and Indiana 130 received mixed signals during a Wednesday public hearing that drew about 60 people to the Hobart Community Center.
Officials from the Indiana Department of Transportation said the roundabout was needed at the dangerous intersection that’s bisected by the Oak Savannah Trail, which has a trailhead just southeast of the intersection.
The city of Hobart owns one section of the trail and Lake County owns another section.
James Landry, of the Troyer Group, an engineering, landscaping and architectural firm designing the project, cited 23 accidents involving 47 vehicles from 2012 to 2015. Motorists disregarded traffic signals in all cases, he said.
Most of the accidents involved motorists heading north and south attempting to make left turns.
Landry said there’s also a need for better safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.
“There is not a great connection between trail segments. Sidewalks and crosswalks exist, but are not optimized to safely carry pedestrians and cyclists.”
Typically a dicey topic in Northwest Indiana, prospects of a new roundabout triggered support and derision, even divided loyalties between married couples.
Hobart City Engineer Phil Gralik and several speakers said there’s a strong need for either a tunnel or a grade level separation for cyclists and walkers. He said INDOT also needs to reconsider its drainage plan to minimize impact on homeowners.
“We are still in favor of the roundabout and this is perhaps the best location … I do agree with concerns of pedestrians and it’s worth pursuing grade level crossing. If there’s a way to make that work, the city of Hobart would be interested,” Gralik said.
INDOT officials said a tunnel or overpass would be the responsibility of the city and the county, not the state.
Joe and Pam Broadaway, who own Trail Blazers Bike Barn near the intersection, voiced support for roundabout but said they were concerned about losing more property to the construction that could hinder future expansion.
“We do need it. I’m there almost every day. We’ve had people get hit come into our bike shop,” said Pam Broad
There are so many bicyclists and pedestrians and they have no protection.”
Joe Broadaway said the height in the center of the roundabout should be lower so motorists could see walkers and cyclists.
He said parking is already limited at the trailhead and his shop frequently hosts community events for cyclists.
“Losing land on the northeast corner means we are not going to grow and it decreases the resale value of the business.”
Bob Allen, of Hobart, who said he’s been a cyclist for several years, said cyclists using a roundabout could be dangerous.
“I never encountered a roundabout on any trail and bicyclists will do anything they can do to keep from stopping. Overall, I like the roundabout. My wife doesn’t.”
Jim Sikora, of Hobart, said he uses the trail frequently and sees children on it going to Liberty Elementary and Hobart
Middle School.
“I don’t think the safety of the pedestrian and bicyclists are addressed fully. Are we trading vehicles safety for pedestrian safety?” he said.
Under the design, walkers and cyclists would make their way through the intersection in a series of refuge islands.
“Build a bridge over it or under the doughnut,” he said.
Hobart resident Terry
Timmerman said he just doesn’t like roundabouts.
“This roundabout is not a happy thing with me.” He criticized the one at 61st Avenue and Wisconsin Street. “Westbound people don’t yield,” he said.
Brandon Miller, who said he lives in a 100-yearold house north of the bike trail, voiced concerns about tractor-trailers jake braking in front of his house. He said traffic is already difficult because of weekend visitors at County Line Orchard.
“I don’t want to live by a roundabout. I don’t want to leave the house I paid off, but I don’t want to live there.”
Dan Bella, of Hobart, opposed the roundabout.
“The intersection is dangerous with north and southbound traffic making left turns … It seems to me turn lanes north and south would give better sight lines and make the intersection safer,” he said.
Residents still have until Oct. 20 to send comments to INDOT on the project, not set to begin until 2023.
Written comments can be sent to the James Landry, Troyer Group, 3930 Edison Lakes Parkway, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545 or by email, jlandry@troyergroup.com.
Comments can also be sent to Michael Grylewicz, INDOT project manager at INDOT LaPorte District, 315 E. Boyd Road, LaPorte, Indiana 46350, or email, mgrylewicz@indot.in.gov.