An upcoming project to reconstruct a stretch of East U.S. 50 in Seymour should improve road conditions and make it safer for motorists and pedestrians.

The Indiana Department of Transportation is planning to fix the deteriorating pavement of the highway, also known as Tipton Street, from just east of Agrico Lane to U.S. 31 by tearing out the existing road and replacing it. The total length of the project is 1.7 miles.

In addition, the $15.5 million project also will add a left turn lane on both sides of the road from Agrico Lane to just east of Sandy Creek Drive at the entrance to Walmart Distribution Center.

The existing bridge over Sandy Branch Creek must be widened to accommodate the left turn lanes along with a new multiuse trail. That 8-foot-wide path is costing less than $1 million and being funded by the city of Seymour. It will be on the north side of U.S. 50 from Agrico Lane to Sandy Creek Drive.

The 1-mile path will make it safer for pedestrians and those riding bicycles, allowing people to get to restaurants and shopping from the east side of the city, Mayor Craig Luedeman said.

Improvements also are planned for the intersection of U.S. 50 and U.S. 31 due to the high traffic count in the area and number of serious wrecks that have occurred there over the years.

A dedicated right turn lane for eastbound traffic turning south onto U.S. 31 is going to be added. Also, the turn lane taking traffic from southbound U.S. 31 to West U.S. 50 will be extended and a concrete island constructed to separate the right turn lane from westbound traffic.

The project is scheduled to go out to bid in February 2020 with construction starting in the spring.

INDOT is planning a public information meeting about the project at 5:30 p.m. with a presentation beginning at 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at Seymour City Hall. Those planning to attend should use the back entrance on Third Street.

The project will be constructed in phases while still providing two lanes of traffic in each direction on U.S. 50, according to a news release from INDOT. The Interstate 65 interchange also will remain open with temporary ramps and traffic signals. Access to commercial properties along the route will not be restricted.

Environmental documents and design plans are available to view at the INDOT Seymour District Office, 185 Agrico Lane. Project materials and documents will be posted to the INDOT website at in.gov/indot/2706.

For questions or concerns, call the INDOT Seymour District office at 855-463-6848.

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Public information meeting

Purpose: To provide information about an upcoming Indiana Department of Transportation project to reconstruct East U.S. 50 from Agrico Lane to U.S. 31 and make improvements to the intersection at U.S. 31

Where: Seymour City Hall (those planning to attend should use the back entrance on Third Street)

When: 5:30 p.m. with a presentation at 6 p.m. Nov. 7

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