FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) reminds motorists to practice safe driving habits during the heavily traveled Memorial Day weekend. While INDOT has directed contractors to pull back barrels and barricades to the safest extent possible, motorists should be informed of highway construction zones that might be encountered on the way to witness the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and other destinations.
You may encounter these work zones on your way to the race:
•U.S. 31 is closed between Old Meridian Street and 136th Street. The official detour follows Keystone Parkway and I-465.
•U.S. 31 is restricted to one lane between State Road 38 and 181st Street.
•I-69 southbound between 116th Street and 82nd Street has four lanes shifted to the left and the shoulder is restricted by barrier wall.
•I-70 westbound between State Road 9 and Mt. Comfort Road has one lane of traffic diverted across the median to share the eastbound side of the interstate. Eastbound lanes are shifted to the shoulder. Opposing traffic is separated by barrier wall.
•I-465 eastbound and westbound has shifting lanes between the Emerson Avenue interchange and Keystone Avenue overpass.
•I-65 northbound and southbound has shifting lanes between the Keystone Avenue and Southport Road interchanges.
•East Street bridge over I-70 is limited to one lane in each direction.
To maximize safety and mobility during the Memorial Day Weekend, INDOT work zones will not have construction activities taking place. However, Indiana State Police will continue to enforce construction zone safety. They will be specifically looking for drivers who speed, follow too closely, make unsafe lane changes, drive aggressively and fail to buckle up or to properly restrain children. Troopers will also be vigilantly looking for impaired drivers.
To help ensure motorists reach their destinations safely, please remember these safe driving tips:
•Make sure you are well rested before traveling.
•Avoid tailgating. Remember the two-second rule.
•Obey posted speed limits and always use turn signals when turning or making lane changes.
•Make sure everyone is properly buckled.
•Never drink and drive. If you are going to consume alcohol, make sure you have a designated driver.
INDOT personnel will be monitoring dozens of traffic cameras and traffic flow on the Indianapolis interstate system, coordinating with law enforcement for incident response and communicating with motorists via dynamic message signs. INDOT’s Traffic Management Center will also advise race fans of interstate traffic information via Twitter @TrafficWise.
INDOT’s Hoosier Helpers sponsored by State Farm will be concentrating patrols on Indianapolis’ west side on race day to help keep traffic flowing safely by assisting with incident response and aiding stranded motorists. Before getting on the road, drivers are encouraged to be prepared and check www.TrafficWise.in.gov for traffic updates.
If you’re planning on attending the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, be sure to plan your route ahead of time. Visit the Indiana State Police website at www.in.gov/isp/2967.htm for resources to help you with directions, transportation options, and general race information.
