Changes at north side intersection confuse drivers, pedestrians - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

A stretch of one of America's greatest streets recently underwent a half-million dollars in improvements, but some have left drivers a bit confused.

North Meridian near Westfield Boulevard has new sidewalks, new crosswalks and new tree-lined medians. The changes are meant to tame traffic along the heavily-traveled street and make the area safer to walk.

Edie Kalwara, walking along the canal towpath, said of the changes, "Yes, it's pedestrian-friendly and the point is you don't worry about traffic."

But you will find conflicting signs at the intersection of Meridian and Westfield, which was redone to include a new crosswalk.

"It is a confusing intersection," said Lynn Herold.

Heading east on Westfield, an arrow painted on the pavement indicates a left turn lane, but an overhead sign says "no left turn."

Tyler Giles works at a nearby jewelry store and drives through the intersection daily.

"The orientation of the signs is pretty confusing...you don't know if they apply to the people on Westfield or the people on Meridian," said Giles.

The "no left turn" signs actually apply to motorists on Meridian, where you can no longer turn left on Westfield Boulevard, but you'd never know that given the way the signs are angled.

When Eyewitness News shared pictures with Public Works, a spokesperson wrote they "certainly don't want to create confusion for drivers," so the signs would be remounted.

While the improvements are substantially done, there's still unfinished business.

Standing in front of the Meridian Restaurant along Meridian Street, Raymond Rains pointed down and said, "It looks like it's the sidewalk to nowhere."

The new sidewalk abruptly ends at Alice Carter Park. Rains said part of it needs to be torn out and reconfigured around a couple of trees and into the park, which is getting new landscaping, a large sculpture and possibly a playground area.

While he said "it's going to be great," for now the sidewalk stops just shy of a new crosswalk, which crosses Meridian at 57th. Besides the striped lines, it includes neon signs and yellow lights that flash when pedestrians hit the cross button.

But when Rains hit the button and the lights began flashing, no one stopped.

"And they're still driving pretty fast," he said.

Giles said, "If you lived anywhere else, the moment someone steps in a crosswalk, cars are supposed to stop, but we're in Indiana and people aren't familiar with that."

Kathy Shorter with the Midtown organization said it will take "some education and enforcement" to further tame the traffic. She said other measures should help as well.

They include reducing the speed limit from 40 miles per hour to 35 mph and adding more traffic signals. Westfield Boulevard west of Meridian will also be paved and get new sidewalks as well as a crosswalk.