Improved US 31 North Of Indianapolis Open To Traffic

CARMEL, Ind. (AP) — Motorists can now travel on U.S. 31 directly north of Indianapolis unimpeded by stoplights.

Government officials and contractors celebrated the grand opening of the improved U.S. 31 through Hamilton County on Monday.

The $350 million project included upgrading 13 miles of the highway to interstate standards from the Interstate 465 loop around Indianapolis to Indiana 38 north of Westfield. The improvements include 49 new bridges and 12 new interchanges. Construction has been ongoing since 2011.

Northbound and southbound U.S. 31 traffic was shifted onto new bridges over 106th and 116th streets last week, opening the freeway to three lanes in each direction and effectively removing the final two traffic signals.

Ramps at the I-465 and U.S. 31 interchange are expected to open to traffic next week.