This is National Work Zone Awareness Week, the time of year many road projects get underway or start to ramp up. The I-69 Finish Line team wants to remind motorists of their pivotal role in work zone safety. Four out of five injuries or fatalities in work zones involve drivers or passengers, so it is in everyone’s best interest to take work zone safety seriously.
Be sure to observe posted speed limits and avoid distractions when entering work zones and be aware of construction crews and machinery. Distracted drivers on cell phones are four times more likely to be involved in a crash. If we all work together, we can work toward zero deaths and zero injuries in our work zones this year.
Here are some simple tips that could save lives in work zones:
- Think Orange! When you see orange signs and barrels, slow down and expect a work zone ahead.
- Stay Alert! Watch for reduced speed limits, changing traffic patterns and highway workers.
- Pay attention! Work zone signage and message boards will warn you of conditions ahead.
- Plan Ahead. Expect delays and allow extra time to reach your destination. Use an alternate route to avoid delays. Visit 511in.org to view INDOT’s TrafficWise Map and text “INDOT Finish” to “468311” to sign up for I-69 project updates.
Good news! Epler Avenue west of State Road 37, which closed in early October, has reopened. Once complete, future I-69 in Marion County will split off from existing S.R. 37 north of Edgewood Avenue and tie into I-465 using a high-speed, high-capacity ramp system.
Crews spent most of the fall and winter constructing the bridge and approaches of the Epler Avenue partial interchange. The ramps that will provide local access from Epler Ave. to the future I-69 will be constructed later and open with the system interchange in 2024. You can see what that will look in the Corridor Highlights Maps on the project website.
- Thank you for your continued patience as crews begin working on I-465 over Harding Street. The long-term restrictions in place on Harding St. will keep motorists safe while crews demolish the eastbound I-465 bridges and center pier on Harding:
- Harding Street southbound is restricted to one through and one left turn lane under I-465.
- SR 37 northbound is restricted to one through and one left turn lane under I-465.
- Motorists can expect heavier-than-normal traffic in this area, especially during morning and evening rush hours. Alternate routes into and out of the city are Bluff Road, S.R. 135/Meridian St. and U.S. 31/East Street.
- Are you hearing noise at night? That is a result of paving and dirt-moving work, and it shifts from site to site. Construction crews work during day and night to complete the project.
- Work on the Southport Road interchange will begin on or after April 24, including a 10-day closure of the signalized intersection of S.R. 37 and Old Southport Road.
- All movements at Southport Road will remain open except Southport to northbound S.R. 37. That traffic will detour north on Harding Street.
- After the closure the signal will be removed, all ramps will be open and mainline traffic will be shifted to the new northbound lanes.
- The S.R. 144 intersection with Old S.R. 37/Waverly Park Road is being reconstructed as a large roundabout. Motorists should expect the traffic signal at Old S.R. 37/Waverly Park Road to be removed in late June when the roundabout is opened to traffic.
The actual starting date and duration for work and any closures may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen activities occur.
