New signage is coming to caution motorists about three potentially dangerous intersections in the town of Porter.
Michael Barry, development director and building superintendent, told the Town Council Tuesday that the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is going to install flashers on U.S. 12 at the intersections of Waverly and Mineral Springs roads.
INDOT also granted permission to the town of Porter to install right-turn-only signs on Oak Hill Road on the north and south sides of U.S. 20.
Barry said the town could install the signs for Oak Hill Road on its own, but he will request that INDOT do it.
Residents expressed concern about Oak Hill Road after a number of serious injury crashes. There was even a resident-led petition drive that sought to close Oak Hill Road at U.S. 20 in both directions.
A fatal crash occurred this past summer at the Waverly Road and U.S. 12 intersection.
Motorists who go south on Waverly Road coming from Porter Beach have challenging sight lines from eastbound traffic when they try to cross U.S. 12.
A study by the Butler, Fairman & Seufert firm, performed for Porter and the Indiana Dunes National Park, recommended a roundabout to address the Waverly Road and U.S. 12 intersection.
A roundabout is considered the superior option over a traffic light because it would eliminate the sight line issue and slow traffic, the study found.
Barry said that he is meeting with the firm to discuss the possibility of getting the roundabout developed.
In other business, the cost for beach parking permits for Porter Beach will remain the same for 2026.
Clerk-Treasurer Corinne Peffers said that she hasn’t decided yet on the exact date when the sale will begin, but it will be around mid-March. Residents only can apply during the first two weeks of the sale.
The cost for Porter residents will be $50 and $25 for seniors. Indiana residents would pay $80, while the cost would be $115 for out-of-state residents.
The town quickly sold out all 800 passes last year. Peffers said they will sell the same number of passes this year.
One change with the pass is that it will be smaller and applied inside the windshield.
Peffers said the motorist would also have the option of placing the sticker on the driver’s side windshield instead of just the back window.
Council also selected its officers for the year as William Lopez, D-Ward 3, will be the president and Kelly Karriman, D-Ward 5, will serve as vice-president.
Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
