Lowell Road will be closed to traffic from US 31 to Drummond Drive for on or after Tuesday as Milestone Contractors work crews begin construction on $3 million in federally funded improvements, the Columbus Engineering Department announced Thursday.
The project will widen Lowell Road to three lanes with a middle turn lane from the west side of US 31 to just past County Road 200 West, the City limits. Upgrades for this project also will include the addition of:
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A lighted and landscaped roundabout will be installed at the intersection of County Road 200W for safety and improved traffic flow for all directions.
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A 10-foot multi-use side path on the south side of Lowell Road.
- A 5-foot concrete sidewalk on the north side.
- Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps.
- Storm water infrastructure.
“In the past several years, Lowell Road has become the alternate route to and from the west side of the City. With the increase in development, heavier traffic volumes, and the age and condition of the road, now is the time for a safer, reconstructed Lowell Road,” the engineering department said in a press release announcing details of the project.
The department said local access to Progress Drive, Princeton Park Drive, Hackberry Drive, Stanford Drive, and Carter Crossing will not be maintained. Alternate routes and entrances should be identified and used during this time. The intersection of County Road 200 West and Lowell Road will remain closed for the duration of the project, which is expected to last ninety days.
The department urged motorists to use caution when near the construction zones, slow down and avoid driving while distracted, especially when navigating the alternate routes.
Lowell Road and County Road 325W function as an unofficial bypass for motorists traveling between US 31 (National Road ) and State Road 46 (Jonathan Moore Pike) on the west side of Columbus.
The city work on Lowell Road between US 31 and County Road 200W is separate from federally funded upgrades that have been authorized for the Lowell Road Bridge and improvements to the intersection to the west with County Road 325W. That work is not expected to be underway until mid-2026 or later.
Updates on the city project will be posted on the Columbus Indiana Engineering Facebook page.
