Motorists will soon be adjusting to changes that control traffic flow at two heavily-used intersections in Bartholomew County.
The two intersections are the northbound lanes of U.S. 31 at Lowell Road and State Road 11 and Southern Crossing (County Road 450S) on the south side of Walesboro.
Modernized conventional traffic signals are planned for the intersections, designed to improve safety and cut down on vehicles waiting in line, as well as reduce congestion.
Borings that will allow crews to install underground cables for the signals northwest of Columbus were made in January, while similar work is now getting underway at the junction south of Walesboro.
Since the 313-lot Abbey Place subdivision was approved off County Road 200W, planning staff have advised a number of upgrades — including signal modernization — was necessary, especially when coupled with the nearby 25-year-old Princeton Park neighborhood. Lowell Road has also become a well-used bypass between U.S. 31 and State Road 46 on Columbus’ west side.
Meanwhile, many people employed at the Woodside Business Center use Southern Crossing or State Road 11, as well as County Road 450S, to get back and forth from work. The route also serves as the only direct connection from U.S. 31 in Sandcreek Township to the Woodside manufacturers and Interstate 65 before continuing as State Road 58 through Ohio and Jackson townships.
While the impact of construction on traffic should be minimal, the two projects will include new paving scheduled for next month. Lane closures and flagging will take place in April at those locations, as well as during the actual signal installations later this spring. Both projects are expected to be complete by mid-June.
Motorists who are approaching either of the work areas are reminded to slow down, use extra caution, and drive distraction-free in and near work zones.
