U.S. 31 Open in Hamilton County

Image courtesy of Gov. Mike Pence's office

Officials celebrated the opening Monday of the new U.S. 31 in Hamilton County. Governor Mike Pence joined Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard, Westfield Mayor Andy Cook, Congresswoman Susan Brooks (R-5) and INDOT Commissioner Brandye Hendrickson for the celebration.

Crews shifted northbound and southbound traffic on U.S. 31 onto new bridges over 106th and 116th streets last week, which opened the new freeway to three lanes in each direction. The governor’s office says all ramps at the I-465 and U.S. 31 interchange are expected to open to traffic in their final configurations next week. Construction will continue into next year to complete the U.S. 31/Meridian Street transition underneath I-465 and the roundabouts on 106th and 116th Streets under U.S. 31.

“Hamilton County has seen significant growth in recent years and ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with this part of the state is essential,” said Governor Pence. “The unprecedented progress on the new U.S. 31 in Hamilton County and points north is a tribute to the vision of leaders across Indiana. Hoosiers can be confident that my administration will continue to build on these significant investments and ensure that Indiana remains the Crossroads of America.”

The $350 million project began in 2011 and has resulted in the upgrading of 13 miles of highway, 49 new bridges and 12 new interchanges through Carmel and Westfield. Mayor Cook says the project has helped open the door for Westfield to compete for national economic development projects.

The governor’s office says the project, along with previously completed U.S. 31 Major Moves projects near Kokomo and South Bend, has saved drivers 30 minutes of travel time between South Bend and Indianapolis.