Construction underway at dangerous US 31/SR 10 intersection to improve safety

MARSHALL COUNTY, Ind. -- Construction is underway at the notoriously dangerous intersection of US 31 and State Road 10 in Marshall County.

Five deadly accidents were reported there just in the second half of 2025, so now INDOT is working to make it safer.

INDOT is installing an RCI, Reduced Conflict Intersection, to help alleviate traffic concerns for the next two years until work on a permanent solution begins.

By installing the RCI, INDOT is eliminating the ability to turn left through the US 31/SR 10 intersection, which was a main cause of crashes.

"Either from US 31 you cannot turn left onto State Road 10 and then from State Road 10 you cannot go straight to the other side of State Road 10 or turn left onto US 31 right now," says Cassy Bajek, Public Relations Director for INDOT Northwest.

When it's complete, it will look like two U-turns to the north and south of the intersection on US 31 that drivers can use to get to state road 10- instead of turning left through the median.

Even through construction, drivers are getting a taste of how the RCI will operate with the median closed off.

"We've got the median closed right now, and that will permanently stay closed as well," explains Bajek.

INDOT says it's a proven way to increase safety at dangerous intersections.

In 2024, there were 11 RCIs statewide, and research shows there were fewer accidents at those intersections compared to before the RCIs were installed.

"We had seen a 53 percent reduction in severe crashes and a 78 percent reduction in injury and fatality crashes," Bajek says.

INDOT and local leaders say this fix is a long time coming; finally seeing some relief at this intersection.

"We just said enough is enough," says Argos Town Council President Ed Barcus.

Barcus says the troublesome intersection is a problem that many councils before him have faced.

"I can remember many years ago, as many as 25 years ago," says Barcus. "We've been experiencing serious accidents and fatal accidents at that intersection."

The RCI is just a temporary fix for this intersection.

The long-term solution is an interchange, but construction on that won't start for another two years.

With the slew of serious and even deadly crashes at the intersection last year, they say something had to be done quickly.

"We said you know, 'Please let us do this, even if it's only for two years. We believe this will really help with safety here at this intersection,'" Bajek explains.

"I think if everybody stops and thinks about a little bit of inconvenience in the interim, is worth it if you can save lives," says Barcus.

This RCI will be a first for this area; the closest ones are in Miami County and Whitley County, but Bajek says more will likely be on the way after this one.

She says crews should be done installing the RCI by mid-July, and then in 2028, they'll begin construction on the interchange.