The need for the proposed project is based on the crash history, limited line of sight at certain intersections, and high levels of platooning (chains of vehicles following each other in close proximity) that occur on this stretch of SR 7. The need for the proposed project is also based on the deteriorating conditions, lack of connectivity, and non-compliance of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards of the sidewalks in Scipio. A recent INDOT Office of Traffic Safety 3-year study of crash history (2016-2018) recorded 339 total crashes through segments of the project location, including 66 crashes with either injuries or fatalities. The most frequent crash type that resulted in fatalities was lane-departure crashes. Additionally, based on the 2022 Final Engineer’s Report, there are five intersections that do not possess the necessary line of sight (SR 7 and US 31, CR 525, CR 700 W, CR 500 N, and Geneva Road) and two intersections that, according to the same INDOT Office of Traffic Safety 3-year study of crash history (2016-2018), display an elevated number of rear-end crashes (SR 7 and CR 600 N, and SR 7 and US 50). There are also elevated levels of platooning due to limited passing zones and the heavy opposing traffic volumes along this stretch of SR 7. These factors can encourage risky passing behaviors. The increased potential for risky passing behaviors paired with the existing minimal shoulder widths and close proximity of the open roadside ditches to the travel lanes provides drivers little room for maneuvering before running off the roadway or into oncoming traffic, as evidenced by the high number of lane departure crashes along this stretch of SR 7.

The purpose of the proposed project is to reduce the potential for crashes, improve line of sight at intersections of SR 7 and US 31, CR 525, CR 700 W, CR 500 N, and Geneva Road, decrease levels of platooning along SR 7 between North Vernon and Columbus, Indiana, and to improve mobility for pedestrians along SR 7 in Scipio.

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​The proposed project would involve widening SR 7 throughout the project area to include 6-foot-wide shoulders. Additionally, in four locations, the corridor would be widened from two travel lanes (one in each direction) to three lanes (one travel lane in each direction and an auxiliary lane). The auxiliary lane would consist of one additional travel lane in either the northbound or southbound direction, as noted in the table below. The auxiliary lane would not be continuous throughout the corridor and portions of the corridor would retain their existing typical roadway sections as noted above in Table 1.