CARMEL, Ind. (WTHR) - New brightly-colored sculptures are going in along roundabouts on Hazel Dell Parkway.
Carmel is installing artwork to block driver's views of oncoming traffic from across the roundabout, thereby encouraging them to enter the traffic circle more quickly.
“People say often that they don’t like these roundabout pieces because they block the view of oncoming traffic. But that is exactly the point,” Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard explained in a news release in September. “When you enter a roundabout, you should only be looking to your left and finding a safe gap to proceed to your right. It’s all about safety and efficiency.”
The new sculptures depict various sports, including baseball and soccer, and use bright, primary colors.
Some residents have posted on internet message boards that the newest artwork is more distracting to drivers and more suited for a preschool playground.
Others opine that not all artwork will appeal to everyone.
Carmel has installed 110 roundabouts on its streets.