INDOT Proposes Diverging Diamond Interchange for New Carlisle Intersection

Residents voice concerns over safety and traffic flow at public hearing on the planned overhaul.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:21am

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The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is moving forward with plans to rebuild the busy intersection of State Road 2 and Larrison Boulevard in New Carlisle, Indiana, into a diverging diamond interchange. INDOT held a public hearing to showcase the proposed design and gather feedback from local residents, many of whom expressed concerns about the new traffic pattern potentially causing confusion and safety issues, especially during winter weather.

Why it matters

The intersection has become a major safety concern for the community as traffic has increased from new developments in the area, including an Amazon facility and a GM plant. INDOT believes the diverging diamond is the safest and most cost-effective solution to improve traffic flow, but some residents are skeptical about the new design.

The details

Under the proposed plan, eastbound drivers on State Road 2 would take a ramp to drive through a bridge over the highway, rather than making a left turn at the intersection. INDOT says this diverging diamond design is more intuitive and safer than a traditional interchange, but some residents worry it could confuse drivers, especially in winter conditions when vehicles may slide through the intersections. Some attendees suggested using traditional traffic lights instead.

  • INDOT held a public hearing on the proposed diverging diamond interchange on Monday, March 30, 2026.
  • Last October, both South Bend and St. Joseph County officials approved INDOT's plan to rebuild the intersection.

The players

INDOT

The Indiana Department of Transportation, the state agency responsible for the intersection improvement project.

Joy Vanlue

A New Carlisle resident who expressed concerns about the safety of the intersection, especially for students and commuters.

Cassandra Bajek

A public relations director for INDOT Northwest who explained the benefits of the diverging diamond design.

Steve Holifield

A La Porte County commissioner who acknowledged the unfamiliarity of the diverging diamond design but expressed confidence that residents would get used to it over time.

David Caruso

A resident who suggested using traditional traffic lights instead of the diverging diamond interchange.

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What they’re saying

“I'm scared for the kids that drive to school, for the school buses, for normal people just going to work.”

— Joy Vanlue, New Carlisle resident

“A Diverging Diamond is a little bit different than a typical interchange because drivers actually are going to utilize two bridges to kind of go on the opposite side of the road that you're typically used to with a normal interchange. And you have all the signage there to help you with that. There's signals that help direct traffic where to go. So, it's actually a lot more intuitive than it necessarily looks like when you look at a picture. It looks a little bit intimidating, but it's actually pretty easy once you get used to it.”

— Cassandra Bajek, Public relations director for INDOT Northwest

“It's the first time I've ever seen one, so it's a little bit different. But I'm sure we'll get used to it in time. I mean, just like the roundabouts and the dog bone.”

— Steve Holifield, La Porte County commissioner

“Looking at the little diagram that you guys have there, and the stop lights, I think, geez, how many people would have to stop at the stop lights, and especially throughout the winter season when people will start sliding through the intersections. They're just...Accidents waiting to be happen.”

— Unnamed resident

“You can use traffic lights here. I don't think we need this diamond diverging intersection.”

— David Caruso, Resident

What’s next

INDOT is asking for public feedback on the proposed diverging diamond interchange design and is providing contact information for residents to share their thoughts.

The takeaway

The diverging diamond interchange proposal has sparked concerns from New Carlisle residents about potential safety issues, especially during winter weather, despite INDOT's belief that it is the safest and most efficient solution. The public hearing allowed residents to voice their opinions, and INDOT will need to carefully consider the community's feedback as it moves forward with the project.