On Track: I-69 Finish Line Weekly Update

(MORGAN CO.) – Morgan County drivers will be among the first in the state to benefit from a new warning system proven to reduce severe crashes. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is installing its first Intersection Conflict Warning System (ICWS) in Morgan County at State Road 144 and Neitzel/Pennington Road.

Installation is scheduled to start today. An ICWS includes signage and amber flashers to alert drivers of approaching traffic at two-way, stop-controlled intersections.

A major road, S.R. 144 in this case, has higher traffic volume with no stop sign and a minor road (Pennington Road) has lower traffic volume with a stop sign. Vehicle detection equipment under the pavement allows the system to notify motorists of a vehicle approaching an intersection or waiting at a stop sign to enter an intersection. 

Watch this with video with INDOT’s Andy Dietrick to hear more about how the system works.

This is one of several improvements designed to safely move traffic diverted during next year’s temporary closure of a portion of S.R. 37.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, the systems can reduce severe crashes by 20 to 30 percent. Drivers should always exercise caution when approaching or entering intersections, even when lights are not flashing.

More than 15 ICWSs are being installed across the state. Click here to see a list of locations. Visit the INDOT website to learn more about the new systems.

Progress
  • Beams were set on another new bridge last week. The concrete beams installed on the Perry Road bridge are part of the superstructure supporting the bridge deck. Structural beams are expected to be installed on the new bridge near Waverly Road in the next couple of weeks.
  • The concrete deck was poured last week on the new bridge near Henderson Ford Road. The bridges being built over S.R. 37 near Henderson Ford, Egbert, Perry and Waverly roads are expected to open to traffic this fall.
  • The new alignment of Twin Branch Road opened to traffic north of S.R. 44 late last week. The next phase of work is now underway, and flagging will continue in the area.
  • Crews are continuing their work at York Street and S.R. 39. They’re connecting storm sewer pipes and preparing for paving in the area. The closure will continue this week.
  • More than 300 construction workers are on the ground, moving us closer to the I-69 Finish Line. That doesn’t include all of the designers and many others behind the scenes.
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  • Morgan Street is now partially closed at S.R. 39. Through traffic on S.R. 39 and the westbound Morgan Street turn lane onto S.R. 39 northbound remain open. All other turn movements are detoured through downtown over Morton Avenue and Main Street. Click here to view a map. The closure is expected to last the rest of this week.
  • Whiteland Road is expected to close next week east of S.R. 37. This will be a permanent closure.
  • Crews are installing new sewer pipes at Industrial Drive and James Baldwin Drive. Industrial Drive reopened last week. James Baldwin Drive is closed between Industrial Drive and Robert Curry Drive for the next several days with one-way access (eastbound) to businesses in the area. Click here to view a map.
  • Rolling closures and lane closures are possible daily along S.R. 37 near Egbert Road, Henderson Ford Road, Perry Road, Waverly Road and Whiteland Road.

The I-69 Finish Line project office remains closed temporarily, but our Project Team stands ready to assist. Call 855-INDOT-4U or email INDOT@indot.in.gov to connect with our team. Find the latest news, information and traffic updates at I-69FinishLine.comFacebookTwitter and Instagram.

The actual starting date and duration for work and any closures may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen activities occur.

About I-69 Finish Line
I-69 Finish Line is the sixth and final section of the Interstate 69 connection between Evansville and Indianapolis. The project will upgrade the existing State Road 37 to interstate standards between Martinsville and Indianapolis.

Governor Eric Holcomb’s Next Level Connections program fully funded the $1.5 billion project and accelerated construction by three years. I-69 Finish Line is expected to open to traffic in late 2024, improving safety and reducing travel time.

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