07/15/11 The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announces all lanes of U.S. 31 will be closed for 20 to 30 minute intervals during the day on Thursday, July 21 and Friday, July 22. Crews will be using two large cranes to lift beams over the highway to construct a new bridge for the U.S. 31 new travel lanes project.
Each of the ten beams being installed is approximately 150 feet long and weighs 110 tons. The closures are necessary to ensure the safety of the motoring public. The closures will begin mid-morning on July 21 and will be conducted 10 times over the course of the two days. After each beam is installed, the highway will reopen to traffic while crews prepare the next beam for placement. During the closures, plans are in place to allow emergency crews safely through the area.
Southbound drivers wishing to avoid the delays can take State Road 331 south and U.S. 6 east, back to U.S. 31. Northbound drivers can head west on U.S. 6, north on State Road 331 and east on U.S. 20, back to U.S. 31.
INDOT reminds drivers to use caution and consider worker safety when driving through a construction zone. For the latest news and information about INDOT, visit www.in.gov/indot or www.trafficwise.IN.gov. Contact the LaPorte District toll free at 1-855-GO-INDOT.
