The City of Fishers announced Aug. 18 an infrastructure improvement project will widen eastbound 116th Street from interstate 69 to Cumberland Road. The project also includes the relocation of the 116th Street and USA Parkway traffic signal to the east to allow for a better flow of traffic. The project is slated to start construction in summer of 2016. Construction is estimated to cost approximately $6 million.
“This project was identified to improve traffic flow during peak hours and efficiency,” Fishers Director of Engineering Jeff Hill said. “We see a significant uptick in traffic during the P.M. commute. By increasing the capacity on the eastbound lanes, we can reduce travel times for the residents in a smart way.”
Currently, the corridor sees 40,000 vehicles a day with the evening commute experiencing the peak traffic volume.
The project includes a new eastbound lane from I-69 to Cumberland Road. The existing traffic signal at USA Parkway would be removed and the intersection will become a right-in and right-out alignment with a dedicated right turn lane from I-69 to USA Parkway.
Significant improvements will be made at the 116th Street and Exit Five Parkway intersection where a new traffic signal will be installed. The improved intersection will include double left turn lanes at 116th Street eastbound onto Exit Five Parkway and at Oak Drive onto 116th Street, westbound. In addition, Oak Drive will be widened and extended to intersect USA Parkway.
“When businesses think of Fishers, they think opportunity,” Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said. “Interest in the I-69 business corridor continues to increase, and it is important that we take a proactive approach to infrastructure as the area develops. This project is a smart solution to mitigate the congestion our residents experience today and improve traffic flow as more businesses are drawn to our entrepreneurial culture.”
The city is currently working with INDOT to evaluate the extension of the new eastbound lane as far west as Commercial Drive.
“The 116th Street bridge sees so much traffic, day-in and day-out,” Hill said. “By extending the new 116th Street eastbound lane as far west as Commercial Drive, we could create added capacity for those exiting I-69 from both directions. I’m encouraged by the initial discussions with INDOT.”
Press release courtesy of the City of Fishers.
