There were lots of local officials on hand to kickoff the construction on and around Interstate 69.  The state plans to add one lane to the interstate in each direction between State Road 37 and Pendleton.  The project will also rebuild the Exit 210 interchange at I-69.

Among the dignitaries at the event, held inside at IU Saxony Hospital due to the weather, included Governor Mike Pence, State Senator Jim Meritt, Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear, County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt and Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Brandye Hendrickson.

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness had been scheduled to be a part of the kickoff, but had a last-minute family matter to handle and could not attend, according to the mayors office.

The Governor turned to Commissioner Hendrickson, saying the road work should be completed by the fall of 2017, or earlier.

Below is a video of the ceremony I fed live on Periscope…