Above: Illustration of the detour from INDOT
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced today (Monday) work will begin to construct a new interchange on I-69 at 106th Street in Fishers. The current overpass at 106th Street will close April 11th.
The contractor hired by INDOT, Walsh Construction Company, plans to first shift northbound and southbound I-69 traffic lanes away from the median and reduce lane widths to 11 feet to accommodate temporary barrier and center pier construction for two new bridges.
The existing 106th Street bridge will be removed as part of the project. Traffic will be detoured south to 96th Street via Allisonville and Lantern Roads during construction.
Here are more details on the project from the INDOT news release:
What to expect ahead
The speed limit near the construction zone at mile marker 204 will be reduced to 55 mph. Motorists are advised to abide by work zone warning signage and posted speed limits.
Shifting traffic lanes on I-69 and other construction activities will require overnight lane restrictions between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Interstate traffic restrictions for construction are not expected to take place outside of these hours.
After 106th Street is closed, Walsh plans to begin demolition of the existing bridge in mid-April. This will require consecutive overnight lane closures and rolling slowdowns on I-69 lasting up to 20 minutes at a time to create gaps in interstate traffic that will allow for removal of the bridge deck above.
About the project
INDOT awarded a $21.7 million contract to Walsh Construction Company to build the new interchange. Hamilton County and the city of Fishers are partnering to contribute up to $12 million toward the total cost of construction.
The interchange will feature a two-lane, oval-shaped roundabout on 106th Street over I-69 and ramps to and from both directions of the interstate. Two separate two-lane bridges will each carry one direction of traffic. The bridge to carry westbound traffic on the north side of 106th Street is also designed to accommodate pedestrians.
The project is intended to reduce congestion at existing I-69 interchanges at 96th and 116th streets, increase traffic safety in the area and provide direct interstate access at 106th Street. Direct access will serve existing residential and commercial destinations and accommodate development and population growth in the area.
The new I-69 Exit 204 to 106th Street is scheduled to open before the end of this year. For more information about the 106th Street interchange project, go to http://www.in.gov/indot/3399.htm.
