The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has announced the start of a multi-year road improvement project in Carmel, which will cause significant ramp closures and detours on Interstate 465 and U.S. Route 31. The first phase of the project, named Level Up 31, is scheduled to begin on October 6.
This initial stage will focus on a two-mile section of the highways and is expected to last through late 2025. Commuters should prepare for changes to their daily routes and allow for extra travel time as construction gets underway.
Key Takeaways
- Project Start: The first phase of the Level Up 31 project begins on October 6.
- Affected Roads: Major impacts will be on I-465 and U.S. 31 in Carmel, Indiana.
- Initial Closures: Key ramps at 106th Street and Meridian Street will be closed for several months.
- Project Goal: INDOT aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve overall safety at the interchange.
Phase One Closures and Timeline
INDOT has detailed several critical closures for the first phase of the Level Up 31 project. These measures are necessary to allow crews to begin work on modifying the interchange and improving bridge infrastructure. The closures are expected to remain in place for several months.
Drivers will encounter the following restrictions starting in early October:
- The ramp from southbound U.S. 31 to 106th Street will be closed through late December.
- Eastbound 106th Street will be closed from Illinois Street to U.S. 31 through late December.
- The ramp from eastbound I-465 to southbound Meridian Street will be closed through mid-December.
Officials have stated that these timelines are subject to change based on weather conditions and other factors. During this period, the speed limit in the construction zone along I-465 and U.S. 31 will be reduced to 45 miles per hour to ensure the safety of both workers and drivers.
Project Background
The Level Up 31 project was first announced by INDOT in September 2024. The initiative is a comprehensive plan to address long-standing traffic bottlenecks and safety concerns at the busy I-465 and U.S. 31 interchange on the north side of Indianapolis.
Official Detour Routes for Drivers
To help motorists navigate the construction, INDOT has established specific detour routes. Signage will be posted to guide drivers, but planning ahead is strongly recommended.
Navigating the Closures
Here are the official detours for the phase one closures:
- For drivers on southbound U.S. 31 trying to reach 106th Street: Motorists will need to exit early at 116th Street. From there, they will travel eastbound on 116th Street to Pennsylvania Street, then turn south to reach 106th Street.
- For drivers on eastbound 106th Street: Traffic will be directed north on Illinois Street to 111th Street. Drivers will then proceed east on 111th Street to Pennsylvania Street, and then head south to reconnect with 106th Street.
- For traffic from eastbound I-465 heading to southbound Meridian Street: Vehicles will be routed north on U.S. 31 for approximately one mile to the 106th Street exit. Drivers will then use the interchange to re-enter southbound U.S. 31/Meridian Street to continue their journey south.
While these key ramps are closed, INDOT has confirmed that some major traffic movements will remain open. All through traffic on both northbound and southbound U.S. 31 will be unrestricted, as will traffic moving from I-465 to northbound U.S. 31.
Goals and Future Phases of Level Up 31
The primary objectives of the Level Up 31 project are to enhance traffic flow and improve safety. According to INDOT, the project will address several key areas of the interchange that currently contribute to significant daily congestion.
"The project will increase capacity for west to north and east to north movements to create traffic flow and enhance safety," INDOT stated on its official project website.
The scope of the entire project includes:
- A complete modification of the I-465 and U.S. 31 north interchange.
- Deck overlays for seven different bridges within the project area.
- Additional roadwork on U.S. 31 between I-465 and 116th Street.
Long-Term Construction Plan
The Level Up 31 project is a multi-year effort. After the initial phase concludes, three more phases are planned, with work extending into the summer of 2027. This long-term schedule is designed to systematically upgrade the entire corridor.
The preliminary schedule for the subsequent phases is as follows:
- Phase Two: Fall 2025 to Summer 2026
- Phase Three: Summer 2026 to Winter 2026
- Phase Four: Fall 2026 to Summer 2027
INDOT encourages residents and commuters to visit the official project website for the latest updates, maps, and information on future traffic pattern changes. As the project progresses, further announcements regarding closures and detours for the upcoming phases will be made available to the public.
