Last week, the Indiana Department of Transportation started installing the first Intersection Conflict Warning Systems (ICWS) in various locations across the state. INDOT plans to install ICWS at multiple Indiana highway intersections statewide in 2020-2021, including one at State Road 45 and SR 54 in Greene County.

The systems will improve safety at non-signalized, stop-controlled intersections, reducing severe crashes by up to 20 to 30 percent, according to The Federal Highway Administration.

HOW THEY WORK

Intersection Conflict Warning Systems are put in place to alert drivers of oncoming traffic at two-way, stop-controlled intersections.

INDOT will install lights and signage to alert drivers on both intersecting roads that traffic is approaching or there is a waiting vehicle. The ICWS uses vehicle detection under the pavement to trigger the system.

The ICWS uses:

signs
flashing yellow warning lights

The lights and signage provide drivers with a real-time warning of vehicles either approaching the intersection on the major road or waiting at the stop sign to enter the intersection from the minor road.

Drivers should use the lights as a warning that traffic could be approaching on the major road or turning onto the major road from the minor road. Drivers should still use care even if the lights are not flashing.

Installations have begun and will continue into late spring of 2021.