Commission recommends pedestrian-activated flashing beacons at State Road 15 library crossing; staff cites $4,000–$7,500 per unit estimate

The Goshen City Traffic Commission on May 21 recommended the Board of Works pursue safety enhancements at the State Road 15 crosswalk near the Goshen Public Library, following an engineering staff summary and resident testimony about a recent near-miss.

Staff summarized a March 17, 2026 request from Ashley McIntyre and read an email from resident Char Yutsy (505 South 6 Street) that described a near‑fatal near‑miss at the crossing. In her email, Yutsy wrote that the crosswalk is “very poorly marked with two faded parallel lines” and recommended repainting the crosswalk, adding crosswalk markers and warning lights; she described being nearly struck while crossing with her husband.

Commissioners discussed what a flashing yellow beacon signifies: staff explained that a rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB) or similar beacon provides a high-visibility warning but does not itself create a stop condition unless a pedestrian is in the crosswalk. Members expressed concern that flashing yellow devices can confuse drivers who do not understand the expected yielding behavior and noted the junior-high school crossing already uses a pedestrian-activated HAWK-style signal with a button.

Staff told the commission there are two options: the city could fund and install flashing beacons under an INDOT permit for a sooner local installation, or ask INDOT to include the crossing in a future INDOT project, which could take much longer. Staff cited recent INDOT bid tabs of about $7,500 installed per unit and estimated local installed costs of roughly $4,000–$5,000 per unit, noting two units would likely be needed.

Commissioners also discussed lower-cost interim measures such as repainting, reflective delineators and lane visuals to shorten crossing distance; staff suggested MCOG programs that can assist with near-term treatments. After discussion a commissioner moved that the Board of Works be asked to pursue safety enhancements at the library crosswalk; the motion was seconded and passed with one recorded opposition.

Staff will pursue the Board of Works referral and explore funding options including MCOG or INDOT support; no firm installation timeline was set at the meeting.