Construction crews are opening new pieces of the I-69 Finish Line project to traffic before winter weather and cold temperatures limit the types of construction work that can be completed.
Northbound State Road 37 traffic was shifted onto new pavement last week near County Line Road, and the interchange was fully opened with the new northbound on-ramp. The work zone speed limit remains 45 mph, and drivers should slow down for a temporary crossover to the north.
Paving crews are completing the next segment of northbound pavement between Southport Road and Edgewood Avenue, which is expected to open before the holidays. Watch for nighttime lane closures and traffic stops for up to 20 minutes on northbound S.R. 37 near Banta Road.
- Traffic crews plan to replace the temporary Mann Road signal with a permanent one at the intersection of Thompson Road and the I-465 eastbound on-ramp. Watch for flaggers as early as next week after utility crews clear the area.
- Nighttime left lane closures continue along I-465 for median work between the White River and S.R. 37. Ongoing utility work near I-465 continues along S.R. 37/Harding Street.
- Completing the Carson Avenue overpass is also expected to require single-lane closures on I-465. The new bridge is expected to open late next week.
- The temporary signals have been removed, and Wicker Road has reopened to two lanes (one in each direction) near S.R. 37.
- Banta Road, near the Morgan County line, was closed permanently at S.R. 37 last week as one of the last steps needed to convert S.R. 37 to I-69 in the area. The S.R. 144 on-ramp to southbound I-69 is expected to open late next week or the following week. Click here to learn more.
- The first traffic signal north of Evansville is now at Smith Valley Road. Drivers should stay alert as other motorists adjust to the transition.
- Right turns will remain open but watch for daytime closures of the dedicated turn lane from northbound S.R. 37 to Smith Valley Road. Crews will be working on the future interchange bridge above.
- S.R. 37 south of S.R. 144 is expected to be officially signed as I-69 later this month. The speed limit will be increased to 70 mph from S.R. 44 in Martinsville to just before S.R. 144 in Bargersville. The construction contract for this area continues through next year and finishing work will be completed as needed.
- As the days get shorter, you’ll notice that lighting has been turned on at Henderson Ford Road to illuminate the roundabout interchange and the new Morgan County monument. Landscaping work is scheduled for the spring.
The actual starting date and duration for work and any closures may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen activities occur.
