New details released on I-69 widening project north of Fishers
NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — Interstate 69 north beginning at Fishers will be getting wider starting in 2016.
The work is part of INDOT’s Major Moves 2020 program.
“This is targeting congested sections of interstates throughout Indiana, and obviously if you watch traffic reporting you can see there’s congestion on I-69 north of Indianapolis,” INDOT Representative Nathan Riggs said.
With $85 million, a new lane will be added to 15 miles of I-69 on both sides of the road.
I-69 will be widened to three lanes from State Road 37 to State Road 38, Riggs said.
Riggs added that additional resurfacing will bring up the quality of the road.
He also said alleviating some of the bottleneck traffic will make the interstate safer.
“By targeting traffic volumes, you’re also targeting the safety,” he said.
Fishers resident Larry Martin agrees after his experience living right next to I-69.
“We hear a lot of accidents where we live because we’re close to the highway, so anything that helps in that area would be great,” Martin said.
He also said he isn’t worried about increased traffic during the two years of construction planned for this project.
“We know there’s going to be congestion and traffic problems, but in the long run it’ll be really worth while for the community, I think,” he said.
Martin and his neighbors, who attended a public meeting Thursday night in Noblesville, are asking for one more thing.
They’re hoping with a budget of $85 million that INDOT can find money for a sound barrier near their homes.
There’s no word from INDOT on that particular request, but all the comments from the meeting will be reviewed by INDOT and state officials.
They expect to make a final decision on contracting companies in the coming weeks, and construction will begin Spring 2016.
The project also includes a new type of diamond interchange at the SR 38 intersection with I-69.
There will be an additional auxiliary lane built between 116th Street and 106th Street in Fishers.