Mike Wolanin | The Republic A view U.S. 31 and the ramp to the entrance to Indiana Premium Outlets in Edinburgh, Ind., Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022.
TAYLORSVILLE — The Indiana Department of Transportation will host an open house for an intersection improvement project on U.S. 31 at Tannehill Road (County Road 650N) and Bear Lane on Thursday at Taylorsville Elementary School, 9711 Walnut St.
The meeting, in partnership with Crawford, Murphy and Tilly Inc., will provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions and learn more about the project.
The $3.1 million project includes construction of two reduced conflict intersections (RCIs):
- U.S. 31 at Tannehill Road
- U.S. 31 at Bear Lane/Frontage Road
As a result, the current intersection of U.S. 31 and Bear Lane/Frontage Road will close, and all left-turn and thru movements will utilize intersections to the north and south.
Additional work includes reconstruction of the exit ramp from northbound I-65 to U.S. 31. The project aims to enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and reduce crash frequency. The contract is scheduled to let to contractors this fall.
Reduced conflict intersections are used as alternatives to traditional intersections on high-speed, four-lane divided highways. Instead of vehicles crossing fast-moving lanes of mainline traffic to go straight or turn left, motorists on secondary roads turn right in the same direction of traffic at the intersection, merge into the left lane, and then make a U-turn in the direction they intend to travel.
Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and attendees will have the opportunity to interact with members of the project team. A presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. Questions and comments may be submitted in-person at the open house or via email to Adam Burns ([email protected]) with Crawford, Murphy and Tilly. Project materials will also be available on the INDOT Seymour District webpage following Thursday’s meeting.
