Summer-time construction is in full swing in Montgomery County. Crews are painting side streets, fixing potholes, and tackling major projects.
One major project on U.S. 231, through the heart of Crawfordsville, cannot be overlooked. Bright orange traffic signs, cones, and barrels signal road work ahead for the thousands of motorists who travel along the route.
Blake Dollier, public relations director with the Indiana Department of Transportation West Central, said the project involves six miles of roadway, running from just south of INDOT’s local office at 41 W. C.R. 300N to just south of Walmart at 1835 S. U.S. 231.
“We’ve been rolling our different lane closures in different spots, because this is such a large project,” Dollier said. “I think that’s what’s been at the root of people’s confusion and frustration. These lane closures have been really rolling down the road as we get to each section of what our crews are working on. What we’re doing is a couple of different things that include patching and paving some areas and just general road maintenance.”
The U.S. 231 project is expected to last until the fall, Dollier said.
Crews started working on the preliminary parts of the $2 million project on May 15.
Dollier believes crews are nearing completion in some of the areas that are giving motorists the biggest issues, such as the area between the Crawfordsville District Public Library and Fusion 54.
“We hope to be in the home stretch of those areas if we don’t have any unexpected delays,” Dollier said. “We know this isn’t ideal for everyone especially in a small town like Crawfordsville, but we continue to ask for everyone’s patience because when this is done, the road will look and drive much better than it currently does.”
Dollier also notes that INDOT continues to remind drivers to buckle up and stay off their phones when driving through construction zones. Distracted driving is one of the main causes for accidents in work zones.
Although the U.S. 231 project does not have an official detour, Dollier urged drivers to consider trying alternate routes.
“We encourage people to try different routes and see what works best for them,” he said.
He suggested the public visit the website 511in.org which shows the fastest routes as well as where construction is currently happening and more.
People can also email INDOT’s customer service at INDOT4U.com where someone from INDOT is required to respond to your question, comment, or concern.
