FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 7, 2016
New I-69 Interchange Opening Today at 106th Street
The new Interstate 69 interchange at 106th Street is on schedule to open by this evening, project partners announced today.
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) contracted Walsh Construction to build the interchange for $21.7 million, and the city of Fishers and Hamilton County contributed $12 million toward the project.
The new interchange (Exit 204) intends to reduce congestion at existing I-69 interchanges at 96th and
116th streets, increase traffic safety in the area and provide additional
interstate access at 106th Street. Direct access will serve existing
residential and commercial destinations and accommodate development in one of
the fastest growing areas in the state.
Walsh Construction aggressively completed the interchange in
just one construction season, starting in April with the closure and demolition
of the 106th Street bridge over I-69. The former overpass has been
replaced by two separate two-lane bridges over I-69. Each bridge carries one direction of traffic
in a unique oval-shaped roundabout, which controls traffic on 106th
Street and interchange ramps to and from both directions of I-69.
The southern bridge features a welcoming City of Fishers
logo, and the northern bridge features a multi-use path over the interstate that
provides additional connectivity for pedestrians and non-motorized traffic.
“We all have common paths in seeking
safe, efficient and accessible transportation,” INDOT Commissioner Brandye Hendrickson
said. “Collaborative partnerships lead to dynamic projects like this that have
resounding benefits, strengthen communities and take Indiana to the next level.”
Fishers has seen
tremendous residential and commercial growth over the previous three decades
and is currently the 6th most populated community in Indiana. According to census
data, Fishers had an approximate population of 2,000 in 1980, 7,200 in 1990, 77,000
in 2010, and 87,000 in 2016. Current and future developments near the 106th
Street interchange are expected to create additional traffic in the area.
“We are very excited about the opening of the new 106th Street interchange. This improvement project is a crucial part of the overall plan to increase the flow of traffic in the area, improve residents' and commuters' quality of life, and open up greater economic development opportunities along the I-69 Corporate Corridor," Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said. "I am thankful for the collaborative partnership with INDOT and the continuing efforts to develop innovative projects that better serve the community.”
For more information about the project, go to http://www.in.gov/indot/3399.htm.
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About roundabouts
INDOT is using roundabouts to replace some traditional four-way
traffic signals to reduce crashes, traffic delays, fuel consumption, air
pollution and construction costs, while improving safety, increasing capacity
and enhancing intersection beauty.
Roundabouts are becoming relatively common in Indiana, with more
than 256 constructed through 2016 by both INDOT and cities and towns. More than
a dozen additional roundabouts are currently being planned by INDOT.
Still, many drivers remain unfamiliar with the rules of
roundabouts. INDOT urges all motorists to continuously stay educated on new
traffic laws, driving safety tips and types of infrastructure. INDOT provides
these rules of roundabouts and offers other helpful information at http://www.in.gov/indot/3249.htm.
Approach:
- Slow down and stay in your lane
- Yield to vehicles already in the
roundabout
- Obey one-way signs at all times
- Yield to pedestrians and bicycles
if there is a crosswalk
Enter:
- Wait for traffic in the
roundabout; it has the right-of-way
- When traffic clears, merge to the
right and continue to stay in your lane
Proceed:
- Continue through the roundabout
until you reach your exit point.
- Avoid stopping in the roundabout
Exit:
- Signal and exit to the right
- Left turns are completed by
circling around the center island and then making a right turn to exit
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Stay informed
Motorists can learn about highway work zones and other traffic
alerts at indot.carsprogram.org, 1-800-261-ROAD (7623)
or 511 from a mobile phone.
Subscribe to receive text and email alerts about INDOT projects
at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/INDOT/subscriber/new.
Join the
conversation using #106thStreet. Follow INDOT East Central on Facebook and Twitter. Find links to INDOT social media pages at http://www.in.gov/indot/3074.htm.
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