Indianapolis - According to a news release from Bill Friend, State Representative for District 23 and Randy Head, State Senator for District 18 the Indiana Department of Transportation will not install J-Turn intersections along U.S. Highways 31 and 24 at this time.

Specific intersections included U.S. Highway 31 at State Roads, 10 and 110 in Marshall County, State Roads 18 and 218 in Miami County and U.S. Highway 24 at County Road 600 E. and Logansport Road in Cass County.

“The announcement comes after several conversations with local officials, INDOT and the Governor’s Office.” Friend said. “Ultimately, it came down to the public. They came out, voiced their concerns and let INDOT know how J-turns could impact our community. I want to thank INDOT for their willingness to listen to our concerns.”

In addition to attending public meetings to hear firsthand the concerns of constituents, Friend and Head met with INDOT and the Governor’s office to echo the community’s reservations over installing new J-turns in Cass, Marshall and Miami Counties.

“Many constituents and I have voiced our opposition to J-turns to INDOT, as they would back up traffic and require vehicles to merge through four lanes of traffic to turn.” Head said. “I am pleased INDOT is willing to reexamine its original plan, and I am eager to work with INDOT to find an even better solution to the problem.”

INDOT will continue to monitor safety conditions on both U.S. Highway 31 and 24 and keep all options for addressing long-term safety of the routes on the table.

State Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy) represents House District 23, which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami Counties.

Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport) represents Senate District 18 which includes Cass, Fulton and Miami Counties and portions of Carroll, Kosciusko, and Marshall Counties.