New social media campaign underway as INDOT launches construction season

FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) – Roads are about to get more congested, and not just with drivers going on vacations.

Wednesday was the start of construction season in Indiana.

INDOT is set to work on 770 road and bridge projects, costing more than $850 million dollars

They are using the social media campaign #INDOTDrivesIndiana to alert drivers of projects, backups, and detours.

Their goal is to keep drivers up-to-date as roads are updated.

“If we’re going to call ourselves the Crossroads of America, we’ve got to live up to that,” said Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb.

Officials launched construction season in Fishers where crews are currently building a new interchange at 106th street and I-69

“Providing additional access to I-69 and relieving pressure on existing exits will improve mobility, ease traffic, enhance safety and allow future commercial development to occur along this corridor,” said Lt. Gov. Holcomb.

“The project behind us is about building for our future,” said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness.

But with the good comes the bad, like detours and traffic.

“GPS doesn’t always know what roads are closed and they don’t know where to reroute you all the time,” said Amy Beiter while filling up her gas tank in Fishers.

That’s where #INDOTDrivesIndiana and INDOT’s new interactive map come in. Officials are hoping they alleviate backups, and give you proper reroutes.

“With so many projects this year, we’re trying to provide more information to the traveling public so that they can plan their trips a bit better,” said Ryan Gallagher, INDOT deputy commissioner.

“Everybody needs a good heads-up on your way to work when you’re trying to get out. A lot of people commute downtown, so I think it’s wonderful,” said Rhiannon Hoover at a Fishers gas station.