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Elkhart to test one-way traffic on narrow Leland Avenue through September
Summary
The Board of Public Works approved a temporary conversion of Leland Avenue to one-way (southeast/southbound) as a pilot through Sept. 30 to address narrow roadway and safety concerns; staff will install signage and gather resident feedback.
The Elkhart City Board of Public Works on April 1 approved a temporary conversion of Leland Avenue from two-way to one-way with a southeast/southbound travel direction, effective as soon as feasible and scheduled to end Sept. 30 unless extended.
Jeff Schafer, assistant city engineer, told the board the street is roughly 16 to 18 feet wide and functions like a large alley for four or five houses that front it; many properties lack alley access and residents had raised concerns about vehicles passing and backing collisions. Staff solicited resident feedback via door-knocking and mailed letters; residents favored a southbound direction for a one-way pilot.
The pilot will be implemented with signage and resident notifications; staff said parking will remain on the side with most houses (northeast side) and anticipated a “reverse parking” pattern on the left as drivers travel southbound. Schafer said the change is signage-only and does not create additional parking capacity. One resident with mobility concerns asked staff to explore short sidewalks across the tree lawn to ease door egress; staff said they will evaluate that need this summer.
The board gave staff permission to test the measure and report back at a September meeting with resident feedback and recommendations on a long-term solution.
Ending
Installation of signs and outreach to residents will proceed; the board will review results of the pilot in September.
