Merrillville to Study Traffic Issues

In Merrillville, the town is working to address ongoing traffic issues. Town Council President Rick Bella read from a prepared statement at Tuesday’s council meeting saying they’ve made great strides to calm the traffic but much more needs to be done. The council then unanimously approved a motion to start the process for a Request for Proposals for a town-wide traffic study. Merrillville will pay for the work with American Rescue Plan Act funds that the town has received. “It seems like driving habits have changed with motorists driving way over the posted speed limit, texting while driving, talking while holding cell phones, and generally not paying attention to traffic signals,” Bella said. “Speeders are all over even throughout our neighborhood streets and shockingly even the streets that the speeders live on. And that is just a real ‘head-shaker.’ You live here, and you speed in your own neighborhood?” Actions already taken include the installation of several radar speed limit signs, speed humps, and additional stop signs, but the town says more is needed. Bella added that better street configurations, properly timed traffic signals and right-turn lanes can help, but there needs to be a comprehensive plan.