INDOT testing variable speed limit signs to improve traffic flow

BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) — The Indiana Department of Transportation plans to test variable speed limit signs early next week where I-65 northbound traffic enters a work zone north of the U.S. 31 exit.

INDOT staff will be monitoring traffic flow and adjusting speed limits in 5 mph increments between 70 and 45 mph.

INDOT explains:

The research project is seeking to improve upon the “45 mph speed limit when flashing” signs used in work zones and slow vehicles before they encounter stopped traffic.

Three northbound and three southbound dynamic speed limit signs are deployed along I-65 between U.S. 31 (Exit 76) and Whiteland (Exit 95).

I-65 is reduced to narrow lanes between State Road 252 (Exit 80) near Edinburgh and S.R. 44 (Exit 90) near Franklin for a $21 million patching and resurfacing project. During this phase of construction, the I-65 northbound left lane crosses the median and runs beside southbound traffic on the west side of the interstate.