On Track: I-69 Finish Line Project Update

Temperatures seem to have moderated for now, but the last few weeks in central Indiana have been brutal with heat indexes at or near record levels. 

INDOT is especially mindful of the extreme temperatures and is taking extra precautions to ensure I-69 Finish Line and other crews stay safe while continuing to maintain construction schedules.

Keeping crew members hydrated is one of the most important factors in keeping them healthy while working in the extreme heat.  Foremen have been supplying crews with water and electrolyte-enriched drinks throughout the day and conducting daily safety meetings to stress the importance of staying hydrated and other best practices. 

Crews’ schedules have also been adjusted to avoid working during the hottest times of the day. This means working earlier in the mornings, later in the evenings, and even overnight.  Some schedules have been staggered to provide crews with more frequent breaks.

Site and crew safety is the number priority for I-69 Finish Line and all INDOT projects.  We thank crews and motorists for their commitment to safety as we continue to move I-69 toward the finish line. 

Do your part to help keep crews safe by following these work zone driving tips:  https://www.in.gov/indot/safety/work-zone-safety/.

• Southport Road west of S.R. 37 is expected to be shifted to new lanes this week.
• Crews will continue nightly I-465 lane closures between Kentucky Avenue and U.S. 31 to allow for material deliveries throughout the I-465 work zone.
• Be aware of possible 20-minute traffic stoppages on Bluff Road, Meridian Street, and Harding Street between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

• Tonight the northbound lane of S.R. 37 just south of S.R. 144 will close from approximately 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. for beam setting at the Bluff Creek bridge. Through traffic will use the S.R. 144 ramps to go around the temporary closure. A police officer will be parked at the location to direct motorists.
• Watch for flaggers along Smith Valley Road from Aug. 29 – 31 as crews place new sod.
• The right turn lane on southbound Huggin Hollow Road will be closed to allow for a new median to be installed on S.R. 144.  Eastbound and westbound traffic can still use Huggin Hollow Road.