Published: November 03, 2009 09:39 pm      

New curbs, sidewalks for Charlestown Road

City mulling switching road to two-way route from Vincennes to Clark Street

The New Albany Board of Public Works and Safety is considering switching traffic to two-way flow for the entirety of Charlestown Road.

Most of the route is already two-way except from Vincennes Street to Clark Street where the road becomes one-way.

In a separate move, the board will accept bids until Tuesday for a curb and sidewalk project for Charlestown Road. John Rosenbarger, director of public facilities for the city, said after the new sidewalks are added he would like to the see the board entertain making Charlestown Road two-way in its entirety.

“It would be a huge convenience to lots of people,” Rosenbarger said.

Currently motorists have to take about a six block detour down Clark Street to continue on Charlestown Road.

“We think it will be welcomed,” Rosenbarger said of the possible change.

Matt Denison, president of the board of works, said he toured the area where the change would be made last week with an engineer. In order to make the two-way route work, the traffic signal at Vincennes and Charlestown Road would have to be modified.

The city already received state approval to change the light, as

Charlestown Road is under Indiana Department of Transportation jurisdiction.

Denison said he favors the idea of the traffic change.

“It really makes a lot of sense,” he said. “I think it will be a great improvement.”

A traffic study has been completed for the route, Rosenbarger said. He doesn’t anticipate any issues except some congestion related to New Albany High School traffic in the afternoon and morning.

“No traffic issues are expected,” Rosenbarger said.

There is not a public hearing scheduled for the possible road change, but Rosenbarger encouraged residents to contact the board of works or his office with concerns.

Rosenbarger can be reached at 812-948-5333. Denison can be contacted by e-mail at mdenison@cityofnewalbany.com.