Plans to remove light at 98th and Keystone upset residents

Plans to permanently remove the traffic light at Keystone Avenue and 98th Street have some in the area saying they were blindsided by the move.

"We had no idea it was (going to) come down now," nearby resident Pat Rice said.

The city of Carmel sent letters to nearby residents and businesses over the weekend to inform them about the change. When the light is removed, left turns off 98th Street will no longer be permitted.

Residents said they knew that the light would eventually be taken down as part of a larger plan to fix traffic at 96th and Keystone, but they did not expect it to happen now.

"We have no idea why they're doing it now," Rice said.

City engineer Michael McBridge said the move will help alleviate traffic from the US 31 construction project and help move traffic more quickly down Keystone Avenue.

"That 98th street signal is really starting to be a problem and so it's time for that signal to come out," McBride said.

The city plans to remove the light after rush hour on Wednesday. Those who live and work nearby said that they hoped it would not increase traffic on 96th street, but would adjust if need be.

"We are concerned and we are hoping the change is part of a longterm solution to our traffic problem," business owner Gary Ritz said.