Carmel outlines roundabout designs, 120th Street construction and measures for Keystone traffic noise

Carmel officials updated residents on traffic projects, safety treatments and construction impacts at a Brookshire town hall. The city has invested in pedestrian safety treatments, including raised crosswalks at or approaching roundabouts, and is designing two funded roundabouts at 116th & River Road and 106th & Lake Shore. “We have a mountain of data that shows that adding raised crosswalks makes a significant impact for reducing speed entering and exiting the roundabout,” Adam Austin, Southeast District councilor and council president, said. Officials also discussed ongoing and planned construction. Brad Pease, director of engineering, described a county-led bridge and roadwork at 120th Street: “A Hundred And 20 Sixth Street, it's a hundred day project. So we're 10 days in, so another 3 months of that.” Pease said the project is a county responsibility and that the city will coordinate to notify residents and manage traffic impacts. The council described planning for a study of 116th Street to balance traffic flow and neighborhood protection, and said two additional roundabouts are in design but not immediately scheduled for construction. For one River Road roundabout near Plum Creek Village, the city said it will pursue federal or state grants if the design is complete. Residents raised concerns about Keystone Avenue truck noise and detours. Councilors described increased enforcement of semi-tractor restrictions on Keystone, additional signage coordinated with the county for detours, and tree-planting as a possible noise mitigation. “Thank you to Carmel PD for increasing enforcement of semi tractor traffic along Keystone because hopefully that'll help decrease some of the noise and increase the safety along Keystone,” Austin said. Why it matters: Projects affect daily commutes, pedestrian safety, and neighborhood noise. Officials urged residents to expect temporary delays during construction and to review public design materials when roundabout designs are completed. Next steps: The city will publish designs and timelines once engineering is complete, coordinate with the county on the 120th Street work and pursue grant funding for off-cycle projects.