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Carmel plans raised crosswalks, invests $8 million in repaving; residents raise multiuse-path enforcement concerns
Summary
Councilors described a $6+ million program to add raised crosswalks and rapid‑flashing beacons, an $8 million repaving program, and said the city will address parking and safety conflicts on multiuse paths after residents reported large vehicles blocking trails.
CARMEL, Ind. — City leaders outlined a multi‑year effort to improve pedestrian safety, repave streets and address blocked multiuse paths after residents at a town hall reported frequent incidents of vehicles parking on or blocking trails.
Council members said the infrastructure bond includes just over $6 million directed to raised crosswalks, plus four intersections and an additional line item for pedestrian improvements. Councilor comments indicated the raised crosswalk rollout — including rapid‑flashing beacons in many locations — will begin in the coming months and continue through the summer; unfinished projects will carry into the following construction season.
The city also plans to invest about $8 million in road repaving this year. Officials explained the city uses an objective pavement‑scanning process on a two‑year cycle supplemented by an annual PASER (pavement condition) rating; the scan vehicle records data and a computer produces the prioritization list, officials said. The manager noted repaving choices are balanced against planned nearby construction.
Several residents said large city and contractor vehicles frequently park on multiuse paths, forcing bicyclists off the pavement. Those speakers said enforcement and clearer signage had been ineffective. Councilors and staff acknowledged the problem and said they would raise it at an executive staff meeting and pursue enforcement options; former Councilor Carter urged vigorous enforcement of an existing ordinance that prohibits parking on paths.
Roundabout and pedestrian questions also drew discussion. Officials reminded drivers that under Indiana law pedestrians in crosswalks have right of way and that drivers must yield; staff acknowledged driver and pedestrian confusion and said education and enforcement are part of the remedy.
Ending: Officials said public‑works and public‑safety teams will follow up and that the council intends to report back to the public on enforcement steps for multiuse-path parking and the raised‑crosswalk rollout timetable.
