(JACKSON CO.) – Indiana Department of Transportation contractor E&B Paving Inc. plans to close the S.R. 11 interchange at I-65 in Jackson County (Exit 55) on or after Monday, August 10, to begin work on a $7.8 million reconstruction project.
Under the 99-day closure, all entrance and exit ramps, as well as the S.R. 11 overpass will be closed to traffic while existing ramps are removed and the area is reconfigured to a “dog bone” interchange. The new interchange will feature two single-lane roundabouts with interior truck aprons on either side of the S.R. 11 overpass, resembling a dog bone from above.
“Dog bone” interchanges allow free-flow thru movement and also accommodate left and right-turns via the two roundabouts. These types of interchanges also increase safety as intersection conflict points are significantly reduced, vehicle speeds are slower, stop signs and signals are eliminated, and traffic is able to move more efficiently through the area.
The interchange project is a safety improvement being added to the $143 million added travel lanes contract on I-65 between Seymour and Columbus, following a pattern of serious crashes at or near the interchange, including three fatalities. By utilizing the existing contract and contractor, the work can be completed in a quicker time frame, providing benefits to motorists sooner rather than later.
The official detour for the closure will follow S.R. 46 in Columbus to U.S. 31 to U.S. 50 in Seymour. The interchange is expected to reopen in November.
Drivers are reminded to slow down, use extra caution and travel distraction-free through all work zones. All work is weather dependent.
