FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2010

INDOT Preps for U.S. 31 Upgrades near 146th, 151st Streets
Left Lane of Northbound U.S. 31 Closed Next Week for Soil Testing

WESTFIELD, Ind. – Preparations for U.S. 31 Hamilton County freeway upgrades near 146th Street and 151st Street will enter a new phase next week.

Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) consultants are collecting soil testing samples in the locations of future U.S. 31 Hamilton County lanes, ramps and bridges.  During daylight hours next week, northbound U.S. 31/Meridian Street will be restricted to two lanes from 146th Street through 151st Street while geotechnical crews drill underneath the highway’s far left lane.  Depending upon where crews are working, left turn lane closures from northbound U.S. 31 to westbound Greyhound Pass or 151st Street may be required.  Weather permitting, this work is expected to begin Monday, August 2 and wrap up by Friday, August 6.

Next week INDOT also plans to open contractor bids for demolition of the former Eagle Creek Nursery at the southwest corner of U.S. 31/Meridian Street and Range Line Road in Carmel.  Demolition will make room for a roundabout, to be built in 2012, where a future U.S. 31 southbound exit ramp and a new residential access road will intersect Range Line Road.

INDOT asks motorists driving through the area to stay alert and watch for changing traffic patterns.  Last year INDOT lowered speed limits in the area from 55 to 45 MPH.

Over the next few years, U.S. 31 near 146th Street and 151st Street will be converted to a split diamond interchange, removing existing stoplights at Range Line Road, Greyhound Pass and 151st Street.  Ramps and frontage roads will provide access to homes and shops lining both sides of the highway, while express lanes will serve high-speed through traffic on U.S. 31.  Aerial maps and illustrations of the new interchange can be found online at www.us31hamiltoncounty.in.gov/st146-151.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 for the reliable and efficient movement of commerce and regional travel.