The $15 million construction project on East U.S. 50 is once again leading to a change in traffic patterns and the use of temporary signals.
Beginning Wednesday, all traffic will switch to the eastbound side of U.S. 50 between Starbucks and U.S. 31 as crews from Milestone Contractors of Columbus begin reconstruction of the westbound lanes.
This configuration is expected to last through late September, according to a news release from the Indiana Department of Transportation.
All work is weather dependent, however, and schedules are subject to change.
Motorists should slow down, use extra caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.
The state-funded project to reconstruct the 1.25 miles of heavily traveled roadway got underway in April 2020.
There will be no change for traffic in the west half of the project from Starbucks to Agrico Lane as it will remain in its current configuration as work progresses, contractors said.
The traffic pattern also will be changing at the intersection of U.S. 50 and U.S. 31 at the far east end of the project.
Southbound lanes of U.S. 31 will be reduced to just one lane approaching the intersection, but U.S. 50 will remain open to two lanes of traffic to allow for widening at the northwest corner of the intersection.
Also Wednesday, all four cloverleaf ramps at the Interstate 65 interchange will be closed. Motorists will use temporary ramps and signals to get on and off of the interstate at U.S. 50.
Construction also will continue at the Sandy Creek bridge to add a $1 million multipurpose path along the westbound side of the bridge for people walking or riding a bicycle. The path will span the westbound corridor, providing a safer route for pedestrians than walking on the highway. That part of the project is being funded by the city of Seymour.
Other features of the overall project include upgraded traffic signals at Myers Lane, Sandy Creek Drive, Steven’s Way/Commerce Drive and U.S. 31 along with intersection improvements at U.S. 31 and painting of the I-65 overpasses.
These features are designed to improve traffic flow and make it safer for vehicles and pedestrians traveling through the busy corridor.
The bulk of the project will be completed by the end of October with some work continuing through June 2022.