Anyone trying to drive along Lantern Road just south of the railroad tracks has witnessed the scene, with vehicles trying to exit the Northeast Commerce Park complex.  The cars driving along Lantern Road must stop for the railroad tracks, backing up traffic and trapping those trying to leave the office park.  It is a dangerous and difficult traffic mess, especially in morning and evening rush hours.

The City of Fishers announced today that improvements along that stretch of Lantern Road and Commercial Drive in Fishers will begin on July 6th and should be complete by November of this year.

“This project is an integral part of the downtown master plan,” Mayor Fadness said in a news release. “As activity in the Nickel Plate District increases, we’re committed to pursuing projects that ease the flow of traffic, offers better pedestrian connectivity, and improves access to local businesses.”

Here’s how the city describes the planned construction in the release:

The project will create a four-way, signalized intersection at Lantern Road and Commercial Drive. Construction includes relocating the entrance of the Northeast Commerce Park, Technology Drive, to the south to align with Lantern Road. In addition, the stop signs at the railroad crossing will be removed and crossing gates and flashers installed. Pedestrian infrastructure, including crosswalks, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant access ramps and sidewalks will be installed as well.

The city says traffic flow will be maintained most of the time in the construction area, with some  planned lane closures expected along Commercial Drive.

The total cost of the upgrade is estimated at $1.8 million.

Northeast Commerce Park will soon house the new, expanded Launch Fishers office space.