Temporary signal placed on S.R. 18/U.S. 421/S.R. 39
Comet staff report

As of Monday, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has placed temporary traffic lights on east and westbound State Road 18 (S.R. 18)/U.S. 421/State Road 39 (S.R. 39) for approximately one month.

The temporary signal assists two-way traffic take turns traveling on one open lane around the construction zone.

The work is part of the intersection improvement project that began in June and is converting the triangle intersection with merge lanes into a "T" intersection with a three-way stop at U.S. 421/S.R. 39 and S.R. 18/U.S. 421/S.R. 39. Designated left and right turn lanes will also be constructed during this project.

At the start of the Sept. 24 closure, east and westbound S.R. 18/U.S. 421/S.R. 39 traffic will share the existing eastbound lane while the westbound lane is torn out and reconstructed. Concrete barriers will be put between the travel lane and the construction zone. Once the westbound lane is reconstructed, traffic will be routed to share that lane as the eastbound lane is torn out and reconstructed.

Traffic is restricted to loads wider than 11 feet and directed to a posted detour. The speed limit has been reduced through the work zone from 50 mph to 45 mph. INDOT reminds drivers to consider the safety of road construction workers and to always drive with caution through highway work zones. The project is expected to be completed by November.