If you’re driving in Indiana, you shouldn’t be holding a phone or any other mobile device. Putting the phone down will not only keep you and other drivers safer, but it’s the law starting this Wednesday.
The new law, which takes effect July 1, prohibits drivers from holding mobile devices, like smartphones and tablets, while driving. The bill was a key legislative priority for Gov. Eric Holcomb to improve safety on Hoosier roadways.
Statistics show that people who text and drive take their attention away from the road for five seconds at a time, greatly increasing the chance of a serious crash. If you were driving at 55 miles per hour, this would be the equivalent of driving a full football field blindfolded. Independent studies show the crash risk is 2-6 times greater when drivers are using a cellphone.
Watch this short video to hear what Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe McGuinness and first responders in Morgan County have to say about this important law. INDOT has more information on the law, including answers to some frequently asked questions and a fact sheet on its website. Indiana is the 22nd state to enact a hands-free while driving law.
- A big change for drivers is expected on or after July 6. Mahalasville Road will be closing south of S.R. 37 for new road construction and pipe installation. With the Grand Valley Boulevard overpass now open, all of the work for Mahalasville will be completed at once which will lead to an extended closure through the rest of the summer. Watch for more details and updates closer to date.
- One of the last finishing touches is now in place at the new Grand Valley Boulevard overpass. The decorative lighting was installed last week.
- Work is underway on the new S.R. 37 southbound bridge over Indian Creek. The old bridge was demolished earlier this month. Pile driving is underway as the new bridge begins to take shape. It’s expected to open late this year.
- Pavement marking work near the S.R. 144 intersections at S.R. 37 and Mann Road is expected late this week. Watch for activation of the signals in the coming days and weeks.
- The long 4th of July weekend will mean a break from some of the active construction. Most I-69 Finish Line crews will be wrapping up their work for the week Thursday afternoon or early Friday.
- Crews are continuing to move needed fill material at several locations near S.R. 37. In addition to crews working at night near Henderson Ford Road and Whiteland Road, expect to see crews hauling fill material at Perry Road this week. Portable lights are set up in the area.
- Bridge construction could cause lane closures daily along S.R. 37 near Egbert Road, Henderson Ford Road and Waverly Road.
- As crews rebuild the southbound lanes of S.R. 37 between S.R. 39 and Liberty Church Road, both directions of S.R. 37 are reduced to one lane with width restrictions at the S.R. 39 exit. The right lane of S.R. 37 northbound is exit only onto S.R. 39/Morton Avenue. This traffic configuration will continue through the summer.
- The I-69 Finish Line project office remains closed temporarily, but our Project Team remains ready to assist. Call 855-INDOT-4U or email INDOT@indot.in.gov to connect with our team. You can always find the latest news and information at I-69FinishLine.com, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Reminder: The project office is closed temporarily, but you can call or email with any questions, 855-INDOT-4U and INDOT@indot.in.gov.
About I-69 Finish Line
I-69 Finish Line is the sixth and final section of the Interstate 69 connection between Evansville and Indianapolis. The project will upgrade the existing State Road 37 to interstate standards between Martinsville and Indianapolis.Governor Eric Holcomb’s Next Level Connections program fully funded the $1.5 billion project and accelerated construction by three years. I-69 Finish Line is expected to open to traffic in late 2024, improving safety and reducing travel time.
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Media Contact:
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