INDOT contractor Rieth-Riley Construction has opened the new U.S. 31 interchange at 161st Street, which closed in April to allow crews to construct a new bridge and ramp system with roundabouts controlling ramp and cross traffic on 161st Street. Access to and from U.S. 31 via the new ramp system and roundabouts on 161st Street are now open, but 161st Street west of Farr Hills Drive will remain closed while the city continues to improve the intersection with the Monon Trail by creating a more pedestrian-friendly crossing. Work is expected to be completed by Oct. 20. “The closure of 161st Street allows the city to complete installation of infrastructure for a future Monon tunnel crossing at a reduced cost with limited traffic interruption,” mayor Andy Cook said. The new 161st Street interchange is part of a $58-million contract to upgrade U.S. 31 to freeway standards north of 146th Street to south of 169th Street. The project includes new ramps to connect 146th Street to the north with Greyhound Pass and 151st Street with a “split-diamond” interchange. For more information on U.S. 31 construction projects, visit http://us31hamiltoncounty.in.gov.