Traffic restrictions begin this week for sign and signal adjustments

Traffic restrictions begin this week for sign and signal adjustments in southern Indiana

18 signals to be raised, overhead signs moved along multiple state routes between Port of Indiana and Mitchell

SOUTHERN INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Transportation will begin overhead sign and signal work this week with contractor James H. Drew Corporation along multiple state routes between the Port of Indiana at Jeffersonville and Mitchell to accommodate an estimated 80 super loads (over 18 feet in height) scheduled to come through southern Indiana this summer and fall. The oversize loads are in connection with a project at Lehigh Hanson located in Mitchell. 

A mix of traffic restrictions will be in place starting this week as crews begin raising traffic signals and moving overhead signs to avoid contact with the loads. The route will begin at the Port of Indiana and follow S.R. 265 to I-65 at Exit 7 (Hamburg/Salem) to S.R. 60 to U.S. 31 to S.R. 56 at Scottsburg, and ending on S.R. 60 in Mitchell.

A total of 18 signals will be raised and will require various lane closures and flagging of intersections while signals are offline. Shoulder closures will be necessary for overhead sign work mainly along S.R. 265 in Clark County. In addition, overnight rolling slow-downs will take place on S.R. 265 during removal of overhead sign truss structures and lifting the dynamic message board between S.R. 62 and I-65. More information will be shared at a later date regarding the schedule for the slow-downs.

Motorists may encounter oversize loads along the same route Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The larger super loads will be moved in small convoys during the overnight hours, from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, beginning in early summer. Law enforcement will help control traffic and guide the loads along the specified route.

Drivers 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.