Last week, civil engineering students toured the I-69 Finish Line project through a joint transportation research program with Purdue University and the Indiana Department of Transportation. It’s one of many tours the project team has hosted due to interest in the project.
An important part of the I-69 Finish Line project is growing the next generation of transportation workers. It supports Indiana’s larger workforce development goals. State and federal requirements include apprenticeships for many construction trades and subcontracts for small businesses owned by women and minorities.
Students see their education put into practice in the field, and young professionals entering the workforce get hands-on experience with more seasoned veterans.
- Crews are preparing to pour a large quantity of concrete late this week or next week for the future Southport Road bridge. The work is not expected to affect State Road 37 traffic.
- Expect to see increasing construction activity along Epler Avenue west of S.R. 37 as utility crews complete their work in the area. Epler Avenue is expected to close in mid-July through the end of the year. Concord Street and Banta Road will serve as the detour. Click here for a map of current and upcoming closure of local streets in the area.
- Crashes impacted I-465 westbound traffic multiple days last week between S.R. 37/Harding Street and the White River. Drivers are urged to slow down and drive defensively in the area.
- Cranes are scheduled to lift the remaining concrete beams late this week for a new I-69 bridge over Honey Creek. Slow down and move over for a southbound S.R. 37 lane closure from Fairview Road to Smith Valley Road.
- County Road 144 was closed last week east of S.R. 37 and Smith Valley Road was closed west of S.R. 37. The new western access roads of Bluffdale Drive and Old S.R. 37 connect with S.R. 37 at Fairview Road to the north and S.R. 144 at Huggin Hollow Road to the south. Click here to learn more.
- Construction crews are using the C.R. 144 and Smith Valley Road intersections to turn around in the work zone. Drivers should not to follow work trucks into left-turn lanes that are closed and signed “Construction Traffic Only”.
- Watch for flaggers for waterline work along Mullinix Road south of Smith Valley Road.
- The last I-69 Finish Line bridge deck to be poured in Morgan County is scheduled for early Tuesday morning. Expect to see concrete pump trucks along S.R. 37 and lights where crews are working on the Myra Lane overpass.
- The last section of the Morgan Street extension south of Country Club Road is on track to open in late July/early August. Work begins this week to build driveways for Prince of Peace Lutheran Church where the new and old roads connect north of Martinsville.
- Watch for ongoing I-69 lane closures in Martinsville as crews apply permanent pavement markings.
The actual starting date and duration for work and any closures may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen activities occur.
