Local businesses encourage State Road 19 improvements

December 06, 2011|By Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

ELKHART – It’s been an ongoing source of concern for many who drive and live near a dangerous stretch of road just north of Elkhart and near Simonton Lake.

In the last eight years, there have been 103 traffic accidents and 25 of those accidents were with injuries on State Road 19 near the lake. Three people have died in those accidents in the last 17 months.

A plan is now in the works to hopefully make the road safer.

Cam Snyder, who lives near the curvy stretch of State Road 19 and also runs the Lakeshore Grill, feels something should be done.

“This area has been a concern for a number of years,” said Snyder.

He feels speed, along with the curves, has played a role with the ongoing.

“Going back 50 years, there's been numerous accidents,” said Snyder. “There’s been handful of fatalities.”

Just up the road, Merle Anderson runs Pete’s Simonton Lake Tavern by the highway.

“It’s been very dangerous,” said Anderson. “The curves have continued to be a very dangerous roadway leading in and out of Michigan.”

But a solution to traffic concerns could be in the works.

Following a public meeting in late October, state representative Tim Neese compiled a list of possible improvements that could be made to make the highway safer.

This includes putting flashing lights above curve signs, reducing the roadway from four lanes to two, putting in pedestrian crossing signs, a slower speed limit, more lighting, and radar speed trailers to let drivers know how fast they are going.

“I am committed to expedite any funding concerns in an effort to make some tangible improvements as quick as possible,” said Neese.

“I am happy to see that it is now an area of concern,” said Snyder.

He says about 12 years ago, a similar study was undertaken to take a look at State Road 10 in regard to curves and speed but says nothing became of it. He is glas something is finally moving forward to resolve the situation.

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