By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — After looking at options for several years, the city of Warsaw has what might be a solution to the long-standing challenge of reducing congestion at the corner of Pope and Detroit streets.
Motorists have used that area as a shortcut for years, and the city, led by the traffic commission, has thrown its support behind a plan that includes the use of two right-turn-only signs at the intersection,
A backup plan, if that doesn’t work, could involve construction of one or two roundabouts, but that is a longterm idea that would cost millions of dollars.
Warsaw Community School Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert says he thinks the more immediate plan, which is now on schedule to be implemented before the start of next year’s school year, will not be a problem for buses.
He said he appreciates the traffic commission’s stick-to-itiveness. One thing that we have heard from them over and over again is this doesn’t work. I believe they’re going to go back to the drawing board and try something different. I talked with Dr. Hoppert for this week’s In the Know.
Hoffert was asked if he thinks the future restrictions might be a permanent solution rather than roundabouts.
“I think they’re hopeful, definitely that it is,” Hoffert said, referring to city officials.
“You know, traffic is one of those unique things you always say that you can’t control water and things like flooding. Sometimes traffic can be a little bit more managed,” Hoffert said.
On another subject, Hoppert said the Tools for School program will shift next year from Lakeview Middle School to the high school TRAC.
Tools for School wrapped up another effort prior to the start of school earlier this month at Lakeview but had to make adjustments due to ongoing interior HVAC renovations.
The TRAC would provide a bigger space with an opportunity to improve the services in the future
He also said he thinks it might become the permanent home.
“This, I think, is a good push to be able to have it over there. I think the people who are organizing it, as long as it goes well next year, are saying that’s probably the place to be,” he said.
