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The new Interstate 69 interchange at 106th Street is on schedule to open by this evening, project partners announced today.
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) contracted Walsh Construction to build the interchange for $21.7 million, and the city of Fishers and Hamilton County contributed $12 million toward the project.
The new interchange (Exit 204) intends to reduce congestion at existing I-69 interchanges at 96th and 116th streets, increase traffic safety in the area and provide additional interstate access at 106th Street. Direct access will serve existing residential and commercial destinations and accommodate development in one of the fastest growing areas in the state.
Walsh Construction aggressively completed the interchange in just one construction season, starting in April with the closure and demolition of the 106th Street bridge over I-69. The former overpass has been replaced by two separate two-lane bridges over I-69. Each bridge carries one direction of traffic in a unique oval-shaped roundabout, which controls traffic on 106th Street and interchange ramps to and from both directions of I-69.
The southern bridge features a welcoming City of Fishers logo, and the northern bridge features a multi-use path over the interstate that provides additional connectivity for pedestrians and non-motorized traffic.
“We all have common paths in seeking safe, efficient and accessible transportation,” INDOT Commissioner Brandye Hendrickson said. “Collaborative partnerships lead to dynamic projects like this that have resounding benefits, strengthen communities and take Indiana to the next level.”
Fishers has seen tremendous residential and commercial growth over the previous three decades and is currently the 6th most populated community in Indiana. According to census data, Fishers had an approximate population of 2,000 in 1980, 7,200 in 1990, 77,000 in 2010, and 87,000 in 2016. Current and future developments near the 106th Street interchange are expected to create additional traffic in the area.
“We are very excited about the opening of the new 106th Street interchange. This improvement project is a crucial part of the overall plan to increase the flow of traffic in the area, improve residents’ and commuters’ quality of life, and open up greater economic development opportunities along the I-69 Corporate Corridor,” Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said. “I am thankful for the collaborative partnership with INDOT and the continuing efforts to develop innovative projects that better serve the community.”
For more information about the project, go to http://www.in.gov/indot/3399.htm.
About roundabouts
INDOT is using roundabouts to replace some traditional four-way traffic signals to reduce crashes, traffic delays, fuel consumption, air pollution and construction costs, while improving safety, increasing capacity and enhancing intersection beauty.
Roundabouts are becoming relatively common in Indiana, with more than 256 constructed through 2016 by both INDOT and cities and towns. More than a dozen additional roundabouts are currently being planned by INDOT.
Still, many drivers remain unfamiliar with the rules of roundabouts. INDOT urges all motorists to continuously stay educated on new traffic laws, driving safety tips and types of infrastructure. INDOT provides these rules of roundabouts and offers other helpful information at http://www.in.gov/indot/3249.htm.
Approach:
– Slow down and stay in your lane
– Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout
– Obey one-way signs at all times
– Yield to pedestrians and bicycles if there is a crosswalk
Enter:
– Wait for traffic in the roundabout; it has the right-of-way
– When traffic clears, merge to the right and continue to stay in your lane
Proceed:
– Continue through the roundabout until you reach your exit point.
– Avoid stopping in the roundabout
Exit:
– Signal and exit to the right
– Left turns are completed by circling around the center island and then making a right turn to exit
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