Fishers plans to make improvements to 116th Street between I-69 & Cumberland Road to handle an ever-increasing traffic mess during morning and evening rush hours.
The project includes one additional eastbound lane from I-69 to Cumberland Road. Under the proposal, The traffic signal at USA Pkwy would be removed and the intersection will become a right-in and right-out alignment with a dedicated right turn lane from I-69 to USA Parkway.
Here’s how the city’s news release further describes the planned construction:
“Significant improvements will be made at the 116th St. and Exit Five Pkwy (Oak Dr.) intersection where a new traffic signal will be installed. The improved intersection will include double left turn lanes at 116th St. (eastbound) onto Exit Five Parkway and at Oak Dr. onto 116th St. (westbound). In addition, Oak Dr. will be widened and extended to intersect USA Pkwy.”
The city says the artery handles 40,000 vehicles per day, with rush hours seeing by far the most traffic.
“When businesses think of Fishers, they think opportunity,” said Mayor Scott Fadness, quoted in a city news release. “Interest in the I-69 business corridor continues to increase, and it is important that we take a proactive approach to infrastructure as the area develops. This project is a smart solution to mitigate the congestion our residents experience today and improve traffic flow as more businesses are drawn to our entrepreneurial culture.”
The timeline to begin construction on the $6 million project is the summer of 2016.
This may not be the end of planned upgrades in that area of Fishers. The city is working with INDOT to evaluate the extension of the new eastbound lane as far west as Commercial Dr.
“The 116th St. Bridge sees so much traffic, day-in and day-out,” said Fishers, City Director of Engineering Jeff Hill. “By extending the new 116th St. eastbound lane as far west as Commercial Drive, we could create added capacity for those exiting I-69 from both directions. I’m encouraged by the initial discussions with INDOT.”