Batesville residents voice opposition to proposed S.R. 46 lane reduction

City responds to concerns

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – Several Batesville residents are voicing opposition to a possible lane reduction of State Road 46. 

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is considering a reduction from four lanes to two lanes between Mitchell Avenue and Merkel Road. 

It means that there would be one lane of eastbound travel and one lane of westbound travel through Batesville, if it was approved.

Opponents of the proposed project spoke at the Batesville City Council meeting on Monday night. 

Some of their concerns were increased traffic congestion as well as the impact it would have on companies located on Lammers Pike. 

Batesville Mayor John Irrgang said he approached INDOT about the idea amid safety concerns that he has due to car crashes on State Road 46. 

INDOT has been conducting studies and collecting data since last summer.

Mayor Irrgang added that the City has not been provided any insight into those studies but hope to receive new information soon.

He also said that a public meeting would be held on an undetermined date at Batesville High School.