The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is preparing to move from one of its busiest winter seasons in years into a packed construction schedule that will affect key routes in Clinton and Boone counties this spring and summer.
From Winter Ops To Orange Barrels
INDOT spokesperson Blake Dahlier said crews were even caught by “surprise snow” as recently as this week, forcing yellow trucks back onto the roads. “It’s hard to believe we’ve survived what’s been one of the craziest winters we’ve had in quite some time,” Dahlier said on WILO and Boone 102.7 FM’s “Party Line” program. “We’re now kind of in that pivotal position where we’re shifting from winter operations… and heading into construction season.”
Motorists should expect an increase in work zones and lane closures beginning in March, with activity ramping up through April and construction “pretty much in full force” by May, Dahlier said. He urged drivers to watch for orange barrels and sign up for INDOT email or text alerts as more specific project dates are released in the coming weeks.
Clinton County: US 421 Closure, I‑65 Patching
One of the most significant local projects will be a closure on US 421 over the Cripe (Middle Fork Wildcat) area just south of Rossville, expected to last for a few months this spring. The official detour will route traffic onto State Road 26 and State Road 75, though drivers may choose their own alternate routes.
“That’s going to be a closure there expected for a few months here coming up in the spring,” Dahlier said, describing it as part of the first wave of work that will define the coming construction season.
Other Clinton County work includes:
– Pavement patching on I‑65 from State Road 28 to State Road 38 in both Clinton and Tippecanoe counties, beginning this spring.
– Lane closures on State Road 28 between State Road 39 and Hoke Avenue to repair storm structures in the roadway.
– An LPA (local public agency) project on County Road 750 near US 421 south of Rossville, expected to require a closure for a few months beginning around June, weather permitting.
Dahlier cautioned that all timelines remain estimates. “All of this is weather permitting and permitting other factors,” he said, citing equipment issues and supply chain problems that can impact schedules.
Boone County: 32/75 Roundabout Meeting, 65/52 Work
In Boone County, work continues on the State Road 32 realignment and expansion just west of Lebanon, where lane closures and traffic pattern shifts are already in place. The speed limit approaching that work zone has been permanently reduced by 10 miles per hour to 45, and drops to 35 when crews are present.
– Photo courtesy of Clinton County, Indiana. Roundabout Construction near Western Boone High school is on the drawing board.
“Just remember to slow down through that,” Dahlier said. “Those lanes may be a little more narrow so it’s important to be safe as you’re out there.”
A major change now under formal consideration is a proposed roundabout at State Road 32 and State Road 75 near Western Boone High School. INDOT will hold a public information meeting on the project Thursday, March 5, at Western Boone Jr./Sr. High School in Thorntown, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the presentation at 6 p.m. The meeting will also be livestreamed.
“Basically what we’re proposing is a roundabout at that location,” Dahlier said. “We’ve talked about roundabouts and the fewer conflict points and the safety aspects that they bring to the table, so we’re just encouraging folks to come out and learn about what we have at this location.”
He cited internal “roundabout fast facts” showing up to a 90 percent reduction in fatalities, a 76 percent reduction in injury crashes, and a 30 to 40 percent reduction in pedestrian crashes compared to traditional intersections, along with lower maintenance and electricity costs. “Whether it’s safety, whether it’s mobility or whether it’s just simply saving money, it’s a win‑win‑win,” he said.
Additional Boone County work highlighted on the program included:
– A closure of County Road 400 sometime after March 9 as part of the ongoing State Road 32 project.
– Widening on State Road 39 south of I‑65 near the Lebanon Sports Complex, with a timeline this fall.
– A US 52 project tied to the LEAP district and new interchange north of Lebanon, including a closure north of County Road 300 in late July or early August and nighttime rolling slowdowns for bridge beam installation.
Long‑Range Ideas: Trails And “Complete Streets”
During the call‑in portion of the program, a listener asked about long‑term possibilities for bicycle and walking paths parallel to state highways, especially between Frankfort and Camp Cullom and along “factory row” where many workers walk on the roadside.
Dahlier said INDOT is hearing more interest statewide in non‑motorized travel and is studying multimodal options in some corridors. He pointed to a “Propel US 41” study in Terre Haute as an example where transit, cycling and pedestrian needs are being evaluated together. “Something that INDOT’s really started to look into more in recent years… is just how can we expand that not just for vehicle traffic but also for foot traffic or bicycles,” he said, describing the agency’s “complete streets” approach.
He noted recent pedestrian safety improvements such as a mid‑block crossing on Rockville Road in Avon and said potential future projects in Clinton County would likely involve partnerships with local governments. “It’s definitely something to keep tabs on and maybe see if there’s any potential future projects like you mentioned for the next decade or so,” Dahlier said.
Hiring Push For Highway Technicians
As construction season approaches, Dahlier said INDOT is also looking to add staff locally. Highway technician positions are open in Frankfort, Lebanon and Romney.
“We’ve had a great winter this year and even though it’s been hard on our crews, our guys and gals out in the field, they’ve done a phenomenal job and we’d love to add to that team,” he said, encouraging applicants to visit in.gov/indot/jobs.
Dahlier also urged residents to stay informed by using the TrafficWise app and 511in.org for live traffic and project information, and INDOT’s alerts and INDOT4U platforms to ask questions and receive updates.