JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (WDRB) -- Changes made to a key intersection in Southern Indiana because of the new East End Bridge are causing big traffic headaches.
The roundabouts, which opened this past weekend, are designed to ease congestion, but they're mainly causing confusion.
When the East End Bridge is finished, traffic will get heavier at the key intersection of State Roads 265, 62 and Port Road near Jeffersonville.
The project spokesman says roundabouts have proven effective in keeping traffic moving.
“For interchanges that are balanced, and have a comparable amount of traffic coming from all directions, it provides more a safer, more efficient flow of traffic, with less stopping and fewer accidents,” said Dan Hartlage.
But this is how WDRB's Mike Marshall described the scene during rush hour Monday morning.
“You can see all that traffic stretching back towards I-65. Those new roundabouts may be causing a bit of a backup there for us,” he said during the WDRB in the Morning broadcast.
Drivers approaching the roundabouts face a dizzying array of options and if you make the wrong choice, you may end wind up going the wrong direction.
The verdict, so far, from drivers:
“You mean that crap right there that you zig-zag around. I don't like it,” said Wendy Wilson.
“You know the round thing, the exits and stuff. It's just kind of confusing,” said Amy Liu.
Rhonda Horine manages the Circle K just north of the roundabouts.
“People are not yielding when they're supposed to be yielding. My employee this morning almost got hit by a semi coming to work. It's bad,” said Horine.
One example of the confusion, traffic coming west from 265 is supposed to yield to traffic going south. A yield sign is there, but drivers seem unsure of what to do.
“I don't think people understand what yield means,” said Horine.
The project spokesman says crews are monitoring traffic and will make adjustments to the signage.
“It is safe to say in the next five to 10 days, additional signs will be placed and other signs may be moved,” he said.
Everyone hopes conditions improve as drivers get more familiar with the roundabouts.
“Traffic patterns change, so people just have to get used to it,” said motorist Ronnie Horsley.
Over time it is expected that traffic will move more smoothly but, for now, motorists should plan on taking extra time to get around the roundabouts.
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