Salem is located in scenic Southern Indiana just 35 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky and less than 100 miles south of Indianapolis, Indiana. Salem is a great place to live and make a living. We have high achieving public schools, and a wide variety of community activities. Salem also has a strong and diverse economic base. If you're a visitor to Salem, we hope you will take note of our many unique and historic destinations. As a city, Salem has retained much of its small town flavor, a flavor that is enhanced by the city’s tree-lined streets, stately old homes and a friendly atmosphere that has been nurtured and handed down through the generations.
The Indiana Department of Transportation has announced plans to move forward with a $2.4 million intersection improvement project at the Salem Bypass and S.R. 60 in Washington County. The project was proposed earlier this year at a public hearing held at Salem City Hall where local residents and officials were invited to view plans and documents associated with the project, in addition to sharing comments during an official comment session.
The existing two-way stop intersection will be converted to a single-lane roundabout, which aims to enhance safety by reducing the number and severity of crashes at this location. The project also includes full-depth pavement replacement, guardrail and intersection lighting.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, roundabout intersections have proven to reduce fatal and injury crashes by 82 percent and eliminate vehicle conflict points within a stop-controlled intersection by 75 percent -- from 32 conflict points to eight. Roundabouts also encourage slower vehicle speeds and allow more efficient traffic flow.
The contract is currently scheduled to let to contractors this fall, with construction expected to begin in 2021 and last one construction season. Closures will be necessary on the Salem Bypass and S.R. 60 next year while work is in progress. Access will be maintained to all businesses and residences along those routes.
Updated project information can be found on the INDOT website, including responses to official comments made at January's public hearing.