The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announces the activation of a new traffic signal on State Road 53 (Broadway) between 33^rd and 35^th Avenues at Indiana University Northwest on Wednesday, Dec. 19. The signal is currently flashing yellow as a warning to acclimate drivers and pedestrians before it becomes operational. This new signal is one of many steps IU Northwest and INDOT have taken to improve safety for pedestrians crossing Broadway.

In 2010, the crosswalk was restriped by INDOT and equipped with a flashing strobe that is activated by pedestrians. IU Northwest also installed a fence adjacent to Broadway to help direct pedestrians to the crosswalks.

In the spring of 2012, INDOT addressed new safety concerns from the campus community by agreeing to a detailed study, tracking peak campus activity at the crossing. The result of the effort was a new traffic signal.

IU Northwest Chancellor William J. Lowe praised the added safety measures and thanked INDOT for its expedited installation of the new signal.

"Indiana University Northwest welcomes the completion of this important project, which enhances pedestrian safety on Broadway for our students, employees and community visitors. We thank the Indiana Department of Transportation for being responsive to the need for additional traffic control at the 34th Avenue crosswalk,” Chancellor Lowe said. “We continue to remind our campus pedestrians to always exercise due care when crossing Broadway or any other campus roads."

“Safety is our number one concern. That’s why we didn’t sit back when additional measures were needed here. Over the past two years we’ve taken steps with IU Northwest to protect pedestrians and now we’re doing it again without delay. We fast-tracked this new signal, making it operational before students return from winter break,” said Bob Alderman, Deputy Commissioner for the LaPorte District of INDOT.

IU Northwest and INDOT remind drivers to watch for pedestrians crossing Broadway near the campus. Pedestrians are also reminded to use the crosswalks at the new traffic signal, look both ways before crossing, and never use handheld devices that may distract them.

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