Beginning spring 2012, sections of Keystone Parkway near U.S. 31 in Carmel will be closed to construct four new bridges as part of the New U.S. 31 Hamilton County project.
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is hosting an open house on Wednesday, September 21 to share this information with the public as well as design and construction updates for the 13-mile U.S. 31 corridor upgrade through Carmel and Westfield. The open house runs from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Westfield Middle School, 345 W. Hoover Street, Westfield. An overview presentation will be given at 6 p.m. In addition, community members will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with INDOT representatives and project team members.
Construction began earlier this year with the U.S. 31 and State Road 38 interchange along with the widening of the 146th Street bridge over U.S. 31. Starting next year, U.S. 31 construction will span the area from the Monon Trail to just south of Greyhound Pass. Keystone Parkway near U.S. 31 is expected to be closed for a few months in either direction as traffic is shifted during construction. Detour routes will direct motorists traveling onKeystone Parkway to alternative routes.
In addition to updates regarding Keystone Parkway construction, other design and project updates will be shared. An accelerated timeline to purchase the land needed for construction is a major focus. This allows for utilities to relocate as needed and preparation work to take place earlier, allowing construction to remain on schedule throughout the project. Updated interchange designs for areas along the corridor will also be discussed. Graphics of individual interchange designs can be found at www.us31hamiltoncounty.in.gov/interchanges.html.
Gov. Mitch Daniels’ Major Moves program is upgrading or bypassing congested sections of U.S. 31 that, when completed, are expected to cut a half hour off travel time between Indianapolis and South Bend. Upgrading the existing highway between I-465 and State Road 38 to Federal interstate standards will be, in terms of dollars, the largest and most aggressive road project ever attempted in Hamilton County. The U.S. 31 Hamilton County project is intended to reduce congestion, improve safety and provide continuity of commerce and regional travel for a U.S. highway that stretches from Michigan to Alabama.