U.S. 50 traffic signals changeover set to begin

The Indiana Department of Transportation’s contractor for changing 364 traffic signals as part of a statewide effort to significantly reduce crashes at signalized intersections will begin operations along U.S. 50 at Seymour starting Monday.

Michiana Contracting of Plymouth is charged with removing existing signal heads and replacing them with new units that feature retroreflective backplates and yellow reflective borders.

The black backplates are designed to improve visibility, and the 3-inch yellow reflective borders alert drivers of a signal’s presence during power outages.

According to a Federal Highway Administration study, crashes were reduced by 28.6 percent after installation of the new signal head. The number of personal-injury crashes dropped 36.7 percent. Late night/early morning crashes were reduced by 49.6 percent.

Motorists should anticipate single-lane closures while crews install signals overhead. Michiana plans to work 12-hour days — weather permitting — Mondays through Thursdays. Installations should be completed by mid-June.

Motorists can learn about highway work zones and other traffic alerts at indot.carsprogram.org, 800-261-7623 or 511 from a mobile phone.

For highway information, monitor social media sites: facebook.com/INDOTSoutheast and Twitter @INDOTSoutheast. Subscribe to receive text and email alerts at public.govdelivery.com/accounts/INDOT/subscriber/new.