TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – A stoplight will be added on E Margaret Dr. on the south end of the Terre Haute Casino Resort.

After consulting with INDOT, Churchill Downs officials determined that most of the traffic flow in and out of the casino would be on E Margaret Dr. Thus, making the need for a stop light necessary.

Churchill Downs Senior VP of Real Estate Ryan Jordan said the thought process was to keep everyone safe as they enter and exit the property.

“Ultimately, we felt the stoplight was in the best location on East Margaret,” Jordan said. “That would allow east and west bound traffic to stop and people safely exit the property.”

The Terre Haute City Council approved an ordinance that would allow for the stoplight at its meeting on Thursday.

Council President Curtis DeBaun IV said that Churchill Downs will pay for the stoplight. With more travel in that area, he emphasized the importance of getting the ball rolling in terms of addressing road safety in that area.

“I would assume that it has been noted as a high traffic area that will pick up quite a bit of traffic when the casino is complete,” DeBaun said.

There’s no plans to add another stoplight around the casino. However, Jordan did mention that could change later down the road depending how the surrounding area develops.

Jordan confirmed that the construction timeline for the casino is still on track. The plan is to have that complete sometime early next year.