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Last updated on Saturday, August 31, 2013
(UNDATED) - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will suspend most highway construction and maintenance activities for the Labor Day holiday weekend.
INDOT has a policy of limiting restrictions during highly traveled times in order to optimize mobility and public safety.
INDOT and contractor workers will stop work in most construction zones and, where possible, restrictions will be removed. Some closures and restrictions will remain on projects that cannot safely reopen to traffic.
Interstate lane restrictions are expected to begin in Indianapolis on Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 2) as contractors work to implement the 59-day closure of I-65/I-70, which is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 12:01 a.m.
Motorists traveling on Labor Day through Indianapolis via I-65 or I-70 will encounter restricted travel lanes and highway work zones near the north and south splits as contractors modify pavement markings, uncover signs and place barricades and barrier wall ahead of the midnightclosure. I-465 around the south side of Indianapolis is the official detour for the downtown I-65/I-70 closure.
Motorists traveling this weekend should also be alert for drivers who might be under the influence of alcohol. Recent data from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute show alcohol-impaired driving fatalities rose nearly 13 percent in 2012. INDOT encourages all motorists to avoid drinking and driving, and to report suspicious or reckless driving behaviors to law enforcement.
Throughout this weekend, officers from the Indiana State Police will participate in the Operation Pull Over "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" enforcement campaign. Operation Pull Over is funded by a federal grant that allows additional police officers to work overtime with an emphasis on locating and arresting impaired drivers.
Troopers will be conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols targeting impaired and dangerous drivers. The purpose of the enforcement campaign is to remove impaired drivers from Indiana roadways before they cause needless pain, suffering, or death to innocent victims.
The statewide TrafficWise traveler information webpage includes updated reports for all state roads, U.S. highways and interstates across Indiana. Motorists can learn about traffic conditions, road closures, construction information, and crashes by going to www.TrafficWise.in.govor calling 1-800-261-ROAD (7623).
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