WARSAW — Warsaw Common Council members once again heard Mike Ragan’s concern over the daily congestion at Parker Street and Husky Trail. Ragan brought the concern before the board again on Tuesday evening, Sept. 8.

“Both lanes are backed up,” said Ragan adding it will “only get worse, not better. It’s time to fix the corner.” He also asked if something could be done at the Mendard’s intersection.

Mayor Joe Thallemer and Jeremy Skinner, city planner, addressed Ragans concerns.

Thallemer stated city officials met with Indiana Department of Transportation officials last week and timing on the traffic light has been adjusted. It was noted INDOT officials were present when traffic was backed up, seeing first hand the concern.

INDOT has installed technology on the traffic light to monitor traffic which would allow adjustments through timing changes. More time has currently been added to the north/south traffic from 80 seconds to up to 100 seconds. “The problem is there are so many cars trying to go through,” said Thallemer.

Skinner commented he is not sure the state will want to give up signal time on US 30, but hopes are the technology installed will provide information.

“The equipment is installed. Let’s see what they see. The question is will they take time away from US 30. What can we do to fix it? What are the options?” said Skinner. He further stated when Menards did a traffic study, that area was projected for growth. “Everything they projected has happened … to make improvements there are a lot of options. That is what we are doing now to provide answers. We’re just not in a position to say when.”

Skinner stated a lot of options are being reviewed to help with traffic flow. He announced MACOG will be conducting a study in that corridor: Provident, Parker, Mariner, Springhill and Husky Trail. Once documentation is received the city will talk with INDOT on short and long term options. “It’s no cheap fix,” stated Skinner. It was also stated the only way to move traffic faster was to build a bigger road.

During other business the final reading on the city’s flood plan ordinance was approved. An additional appropriation moving $50,000 from from the street department’s motor vehicle highway fund to the street department’s repair and maintenance fund was also approved.

Jeff Beeler, street superintendent, was asked to explain the need for the funds. Beeler stated the issue deals with the Tigers Retreat project on Ranch Road. He noted the problem pertained to drainage resulting in the installation of 3,000 feet of tile around the edge of the street to manage removal of underground water.

Councilman Jerry Frush also asked if it was true the city hit a gas line during that work. Beeler replied it was, however NIPSCO officials were on site and took responsibility. The gas line was in the asphalt, which is 3-inches thick and not 3-feet below the surface.

Additionally the council approved the transfer of $58,000 from the Eastern TIF District budget’s capital outlay land fund to professional services. The funds are for engineering fees for the proposed Husky Trail/Mariner Drive roundabout design.