Road work to begin on State Road 44 in Johnson, Shelby counties

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Milestone Contractors L.P. plans to begin work next month on a $6 million asphalt resurface and roadway reconstruction project along State Road 44 in Johnson and Shelby counties. The contract also includes bridge work at Sugar Creek Overflow located east of I-65.

Project phasing is scheduled as follows, weather permitting:

— On/after Monday, April 5: Lane closures with flagging from east of Sugar Creek Overflow to State Road 9 in Shelbyville for asphalt resurface, expected to continue through end of May

— On/after Wednesday, April 14: Lane closures with flagging from east of State Road 44/I-65 interchange to Sugar Creek Overflow for asphalt resurface, expected to continue through early September

— On/after Monday, April 17: Traffic restricted to single lane in each direction at State Road 44/I-65 interchange in Franklin for roadway reconstruction, width reduced to 11 feet, expected to continue through early August

— Starting mid-June: State Road 44 bridge over Sugar Creek Overflow (approximately three miles east of I-65) closed for 60 days for superstructure replacement project, detour to follow I-65, I-465 and I-74 to Shelbyville

Project limits for the roadway reconstruction project are just to the east and west of the I-65 interchange in Franklin, totaling 0.26 miles. Upgrades include new pavement, traffic signals, pavement markings, signage and guardrail.

The contract was awarded in February 2021 and has a completion date of June 30, 2022. Motorists are reminded to slow down, use extra caution and drive distraction-free in and near all work zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.