Fishers scraps roundabout planned for 116th Street and Allisonville Road

FISHERS, Ind. — The city of Fishers is throwing out its plans for a roundabout at 116th Street and Allisonville Road. The decision comes after several crashes have plagued the 96th Street roundabout about three miles away.

“Really, what we’re also seeing there is a drastic influx in traffic flows and that’s really mainly due to the Clearpath Project on 465,” Fishers Community and PR Director Ashley Elrod said. 

That construction, along with a recently conducted study, made the city reconsider putting a roundabout at 116th Street.

”I do think that [roundabouts] help the flow of traffic in most situations, but this intersection is just so busy that I don’t think a roundabout would be a good idea for this intersection,” Fishers resident Melissa Troweridge said.

Instead, the intersection will remain as is with extended left turn lanes. The change in plans will cut down on construction time and potential closures.

“To not have to shut this intersection down is a big relief because I live close by,” Troweridge said.

It’ll also be safer for people on the sidewalks and streets.

“Preserving it as a four-way signaled intersection allows us to have safe and effective pedestrian crossings,” Elrod said. 

A roundabout would have cost about $3 million to construct. It’s unclear how expensive the lane extensions will be, but the city will rebid the project this fall. 

“What we’re hoping is it continues to revitalize the Allisonville corridor and prioritize safety for motorists and pedestrians alike, and so we believe this will achieve just that while getting people through to their destination,” Elrod said. 

While not at the 116th intersection, the city is still looking at other spots where roundabouts could be beneficial.

“Safety is always our number one priority and so roundabouts are really an effective solution for several of our future infrastructure improvements,” Elrod said. 

Construction is set to start this spring. The intersection will remain open, but drivers may experience potential lane closures or restrictions.