AARoads Forum

Regional Boards => Great Lakes and Ohio Valley => Topic started by: mukade on June 26, 2011, 04:54:46 PM

Title: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on June 26, 2011, 04:54:46 PM
The US 31 Kokomo project is a 13 mile bypass of the current congested divided highway bypass which has 15 traffic signals in Kokomo. The new highway will be built to Interstate standards, and the existing US 31 will become SR 931. Interchanges on the new US 31 will be at SR 26, Boulevard/CR 100S, SR 22/US 35 (SB), Touby Pike, US 35 (NB)/CR 400N in addition to where the new road meets the old at the north and south ends. Currently, approximately eight miles are under construction with another five miles of contracts scheduled to be let in August and September of 2011. The contract for the final mile or so at the north end is scheduled to be let in Spring of 2012. The entire bypass is scheduled to be opened to traffic in late 2013.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2Faa%2FUS31-CR200S-NB.jpg&hash=7f032d5021d8057af699e163da9c364614923f01)
Northbound US 31 from CR 200S-Looking at the completed CR 100S interchange (neither the interchange nor CR 100S are open to traffic)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2Faa%2FUS31-CR200S-SB.jpg&hash=6850951854d17c05b50be965a87e154a476d589f)
Southbound US 31 from CR 200S
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2Faa%2FUS31-CR100S-NB.jpg&hash=af3d68a2dedd65301714c2e72e44578d870cc1c5)
Northbound US 31 from CR 100S/Boulevard looking at the SR 22/US 35 interchange a mile north and the CR 50N overpass another half mle north of that
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2Faa%2FUS31-CR300S.jpg&hash=35fa34cc1b66041a154c199b92e4e8a8bf1ac672)
US 31 over CR 300S
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2Faa%2FUS31-SR26.jpg&hash=17923ded0fea6de74d7bebd06d6a1747a53ef665)
Partially built SR 26 overpass
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2Faa%2FUS31-CR50N-SB.jpg&hash=baeaa3449b64a5eb583566a4b55da07da4328db1)
Southbound US 31 from CR 50N overpass looking at soon-to-be SR 22/US 35 interchange
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2Faa%2FUS31-CR200N.jpg&hash=9f23d8e156966ce2643bc52b585c481aacf77743)
CR 200N bridge being built over US 31
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: Revive 755 on June 26, 2011, 10:03:52 PM
Quote from: mukade on June 26, 2011, 04:54:46 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2Faa%2FUS31-CR300S.jpg&hash=35fa34cc1b66041a154c199b92e4e8a8bf1ac672)
US 31 over CR 300S

I hope there's not going to be a need to widen CR 300S for the next 30 years, or the bridge span is longer than it looks.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on June 26, 2011, 10:08:00 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on June 26, 2011, 10:03:52 PM
Quote from: mukade on June 26, 2011, 04:54:46 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2Faa%2FUS31-CR300S.jpg&hash=35fa34cc1b66041a154c199b92e4e8a8bf1ac672)
US 31 over CR 300S

I hope there's not going to be a need to widen CR 300S for the next 30 years, or the bridge span is longer than it looks.

It looks like it will be wide enough for 5 lanes - which seems very sufficient.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on November 06, 2011, 03:18:13 PM
Toward the end of another construction season, considerable progress on the US 31 bypass around Kokomo can be seen. Construction is underway from half a mile south of SR 26 to a quarter of a mile north of CR 300N. A contract for a mile section (with two bridges) southward into Tipton County will be let by the end of the year. Two more contracts at the north and south ends will by let by mid-2012.

Below are some pictures taken in November, 2011.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31KokomoFromSR26S.jpg&hash=dfb26e34a869e6649566135aa8161bda440ac54a)
From SR 26 looking south

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31KokomoFromSR26N.jpg&hash=8e67e9550de4786646ef4dbad9db483530e47aa8)
From SR 26 looking north

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FSR26atUS31.jpg&hash=3af7daad83887e192d229968c02657fe3cb4f347)
Westbound SR 26 at future US 31

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31-Blvd.jpg&hash=b41fb0eacae70e12b5789abe11797fe6bfac5f9e)
Westbound on widened Boulevard/CR 100S at US 31. This is one of two roads widened to connect the new freeway to the city.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31KokomoFrom50N.jpg&hash=f1f34d140b5c531d6b1bd7f5da1653cb3cc774a2)
Looking north on US 31 from CR 50N and the bridge over Wildcat Creek


Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: vtk on November 07, 2011, 12:27:52 AM
Quote from: mukade on November 06, 2011, 03:18:13 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31-Blvd.jpg&hash=b41fb0eacae70e12b5789abe11797fe6bfac5f9e)
Westbound on widened Boulevard/CR 100S at US 31. This is one of two roads widened to connect the new freeway to the city.

They made the 4-lane section end just short of the new freeway interchange?  That seems really dumb.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on November 07, 2011, 06:51:29 AM
Actually, those are temporary markings. CR 100S's right line will become a right turn only lane on to the ramp. The interchange will not be open until 2013.   It will be similar coming off the freeway. The dumb thing, IMO, is not having a continuous left turn lane.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: roadman65 on January 14, 2012, 07:50:03 PM
Thanks for the info here.

It looks like you will have to get off of US 31 to go to Buffalo Wild Wings, though.  Oh well, still worth it though.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on April 12, 2012, 07:59:51 AM
http://www.southbendtribune.com/news/sbt-officials-look-to-control-growth-on-upgraded-us-31-20120411,0,7971631.story

As someone who travels 31 between Indy and SB frequently, this is a concern of mine as well.  If Tipton and Miami counties in particular do not limit further development along 31, they could become what Kokomo used to be. 
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: hbelkins on April 12, 2012, 09:41:50 AM
Someone in the area needs to do a meet centered on some of these Indiana projects.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: Henry on April 12, 2012, 12:01:56 PM
Might this be a prelude to the building of I-67 in Indiana? (I know this is still a fictional route, but it would be nice to see.)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on April 12, 2012, 12:22:14 PM
Quote from: Henry on April 12, 2012, 12:01:56 PM
Might this be a prelude to the building of I-67 in Indiana? (I know this is still a fictional route, but it would be nice to see.)

I don't believe the state has any intention of upgrading the rest of 31 to interstate standard (some stretches have a lot of residences that would require access roads), but I was thinking along the lines that allowing Kokomo-like development along the rest of 31 might force the state to do it.  Still, I think I would prefer to leave the number of stoplights at seven rather than have the number skyrocket for an indefinite amount of time in the hopes of getting them all eliminated.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: triplemultiplex on April 13, 2012, 05:55:17 PM
Sounds like US 31 needs a corridor access management study for the portions that will remain sub-freeway grade after the current projects around Indy, Kokomo & South Bend are completed.

For what it's worth, the Plymouth - Rochester segment looks deliciously upgradable.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ShawnP on April 14, 2012, 09:26:05 AM
I am from southern Indiana so I am not familiar with the US-31 areas you discuss for upgrade. From Aerials they look just as easy upgradeable as the US-71/I-49 Corridor in Missouri. I do see Indiana wanting to do it as Kokomo is a major auto center with Chrysler putting billions into the tranny plants lately and Indiana wants them to stay around and a new Interstate will help them stay and get their product to market quicker (ie plants in the Midwest).
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: tvketchum on April 14, 2012, 09:31:21 AM
Quote from: cabiness42 on April 12, 2012, 12:22:14 PM
Quote from: Henry on April 12, 2012, 12:01:56 PM
Might this be a prelude to the building of I-67 in Indiana? (I know this is still a fictional route, but it would be nice to see.)

I don't believe the state has any intention of upgrading the rest of 31 to interstate standard (some stretches have a lot of residences that would require access roads), but I was thinking along the lines that allowing Kokomo-like development along the rest of 31 might force the state to do it.  Still, I think I would prefer to leave the number of stoplights at seven rather than have the number skyrocket for an indefinite amount of time in the hopes of getting them all eliminated.

http://us31hamiltoncounty.in.gov/ and http://www.us31plysb.com/ in addition to http://www.in.gov/indot/projects/2373.htm account for the highway from Indianapolis to South Bend, and all of it is being upgraded to an  interstate standard freeway.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on April 15, 2012, 12:29:58 AM
Quote from: triplemultiplex on April 13, 2012, 05:55:17 PM
Sounds like US 31 needs a corridor access management study for the portions that will remain sub-freeway grade after the current projects around Indy, Kokomo & South Bend are completed.

For what it's worth, the Plymouth - Rochester segment looks deliciously upgradable.
A lot of the Miami County part is also easily upgradeable - most of it from Peru north. I know INDOT has studied where the Plymouth exit south of US 30 will be. With only 6 or 7 traffic lights left between I-465 and US 20, these remaining signalized intersections will be more dangerous. A serious accident will probably be what triggers more improvements.

Back around 2005, the story was the entire route would be upgraded to freeway, but I don't think the INDOT long range (2030) draft plan shows it as being a high priority corridor for upgrade.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on April 15, 2012, 08:37:37 AM
Quote from: tvketchum on April 14, 2012, 09:31:21 AM
Quote from: cabiness42 on April 12, 2012, 12:22:14 PM
Quote from: Henry on April 12, 2012, 12:01:56 PM
Might this be a prelude to the building of I-67 in Indiana? (I know this is still a fictional route, but it would be nice to see.)

I don't believe the state has any intention of upgrading the rest of 31 to interstate standard (some stretches have a lot of residences that would require access roads), but I was thinking along the lines that allowing Kokomo-like development along the rest of 31 might force the state to do it.  Still, I think I would prefer to leave the number of stoplights at seven rather than have the number skyrocket for an indefinite amount of time in the hopes of getting them all eliminated.

http://us31hamiltoncounty.in.gov/ and http://www.us31plysb.com/ in addition to http://www.in.gov/indot/projects/2373.htm account for the highway from Indianapolis to South Bend, and all of it is being upgraded to an  interstate standard freeway.

Those three projects do not account for 100% of US 31 between South Bend and Indy.  Part of Marshall County, all of Fulton and Miami Counties, and most of Tipton County are not covered by any of those three projects.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: Henry on April 15, 2012, 08:41:36 AM
Quote from: mukade on April 15, 2012, 12:29:58 AM
Quote from: triplemultiplex on April 13, 2012, 05:55:17 PM
Sounds like US 31 needs a corridor access management study for the portions that will remain sub-freeway grade after the current projects around Indy, Kokomo & South Bend are completed.

For what it's worth, the Plymouth - Rochester segment looks deliciously upgradable.
A lot of the Miami County part is also easily upgradeable - most of it from Peru north. I know INDOT has studied where the Plymouth exit south of US 30 will be. With only 6 or 7 traffic lights left between I-465 and US 20, these remaining signalized intersections will be more dangerous. A serious accident will probably be what triggers more improvements.

Back around 2005, the story was the entire route would be upgraded to freeway, but I don't think the INDOT long range (2030) draft plan shows it as being a high priority corridor for upgrade.
Quote from: cabiness42 on April 15, 2012, 08:37:37 AM
Quote from: tvketchum on April 14, 2012, 09:31:21 AM
Quote from: cabiness42 on April 12, 2012, 12:22:14 PM
Quote from: Henry on April 12, 2012, 12:01:56 PM
Might this be a prelude to the building of I-67 in Indiana? (I know this is still a fictional route, but it would be nice to see.)

I don't believe the state has any intention of upgrading the rest of 31 to interstate standard (some stretches have a lot of residences that would require access roads), but I was thinking along the lines that allowing Kokomo-like development along the rest of 31 might force the state to do it.  Still, I think I would prefer to leave the number of stoplights at seven rather than have the number skyrocket for an indefinite amount of time in the hopes of getting them all eliminated.

http://us31hamiltoncounty.in.gov/ and http://www.us31plysb.com/ in addition to http://www.in.gov/indot/projects/2373.htm account for the highway from Indianapolis to South Bend, and all of it is being upgraded to an  interstate standard freeway.

Those three projects do not account for 100% of US 31 between South Bend and Indy.  Part of Marshall County, all of Fulton and Miami Counties, and most of Tipton County are not covered by any of those three projects.
Definitely the reason that all of US 31 should be upgraded to freeway, although INDOT probably doesn't think so. Bring on I-67!
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on April 19, 2012, 08:34:47 PM
Contract award is pending for the section connecting existing US 31 in Tipton county to the existing (but not yet open) section near SR 26 near Kokomo.

INDOT April 4 Lettings (http://www.state.in.us/dot/div/contracts/letting/archive/2012/apr04/OFFICIAL%20040412.pdf)

Also, another section of US 31 in South Bend and another section of SR 25 are in the same document. Bids were accepted for the part of US 31 around US 6 near Lapaz on April 18.

The May 2 letting should bring the last section of US 31 Kokomo at the north end (including relocation of US 35).
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on April 25, 2012, 09:32:08 PM
Quote from: cabiness42 on April 15, 2012, 08:37:37 AM
Those three projects do not account for 100% of US 31 between South Bend and Indy.  Part of Marshall County, all of Fulton and Miami Counties, and most of Tipton County are not covered by any of those three projects.

The INDOT long range plan does show the intention to eventually upgrade the entire route. See the  Draft 5-Year Construction Program, Project List Placeholder (http://www.in.gov/indot/div/pubs/LRPappendix032911-2.pdf) (page 45). That doesn't mean firm schedules exist - they don't, but this does show how the projects are planned to be broken out.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on May 01, 2012, 07:53:03 PM
"INDOT anticipates opening a four-mile segment of the freeway between S.R. 26 and U.S. 35/S.R. 22 in October or November. All 13 miles of the U.S. 31 Kokomo freeway is expected to open in late fall next year–two years ahead of schedule."

INDOT Awards Contract For U.S. 31 Kokomo South Terminus (http://www.in.gov/activecalendar/EventList.aspx?view=EventDetails&eventidn=55663&information_id=111751&type=&syndicate=syndicate)

Also, some INDOT Flickr pictures of US 31 are here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/indotgreenfield).
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: tdindy88 on May 01, 2012, 08:35:15 PM
I drove by the SR 26 exit the other week, it does look complete from that perspective. I wonder what the four-mile stretch will be numbered in the time between this fall and next fall.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on May 02, 2012, 04:45:28 PM
Good question. I will guess SR 431. Before construction started, some INDOT person suggested the new road might be SR 431 and US 31 would stay on the old alignment. That obviously changed, but make sense for the temporary situation.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: sr641 on May 07, 2012, 07:09:20 AM
According to INDOT US 31 will be a freeway from Indianapolis to South Bend.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on May 11, 2012, 08:48:10 PM
 Bogs removed for bypass project (http://m.kokomotribune.com/kokomo/db_264990/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=YwC7MAw9) (Kokomo Tribune)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on May 17, 2012, 09:40:37 PM
The contract for the last section of US 31 Kokomo bypass was awarded to Primco. This far north section includes an interchange and a new routing of US 35.

An interesting article discussing the pushing for further US 31 upgrades is here (http://kokomotribune.com/local/x1224378416/Coalition-planners-look-to-remaining-U-S-31-areas).
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on May 19, 2012, 08:05:10 PM
I checked out the US 31 Kokomo Bypass construction today. There are seven separate contracts for the mainline construction on the 13 mile new terrain route. A two mile section was completed last year, but is still not open. Another two mile section adjecent and south to that one is very close to completeion. Another contract for the section north of and adjacent to the first one is for roughly three miles. This is the biggest most expensive one and this is over 50% done. Two other sections began construction this year and two contracts for sections at the extreme north and south ends have been let, but construction has not yet begun.

Below are some pictures of the ongoing construction.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31-0519-01.jpg&hash=18d7e21c785801f925c9c26a55612775d6258990)
Soil stabilization at SR 22/US 35 interchange

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31-0519-06.jpg&hash=5a2eb47902d082733658b1c932f99d9fbcf4f15b)
Same interchange, but wider view. From Sr 22 to SR 26 is scheduled to open in September

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31-0519-02.jpg&hash=d6f928013657829b10f50cbe553a5a75b8738ea1)
Removing massive areas of bad soil near CR 200N and filling the hole with limestone

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31-0519-03.jpg&hash=d1dc0a73bb15bf0859575f3cc0791929aa9db944)
SR 22/US 35 construction approaching completion at new US 31

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31-0519-05.jpg&hash=d95bf95a27bea58e67f998ec20b32d6bd7ac6fe3)
Interchange at Touby Pike in initial stages of construction
Title: US 31 Kokomo bypass will not open up this year
Post by: mukade on September 21, 2012, 07:11:11 AM
Quote
Motorists must wait until 2013 to drive on the new U.S. 31 bypass, after Indiana Department of Transportation officials decided not to open part of the road this year...

U.S. 31 will not open up this year (http://kokomotribune.com/local/x1241954956/U-S-31-will-not-open-up-this-year) (Kokomo Tribune)

The reason cited that the contractor is busy on building a section doesn't seem to be valid as I am sure they sub-contract this work anyway. The other reasons (plowing, patrolling) are valid.

The whole bypass is under construction now with three contractors managing five separate projects. Two sections adding up to about four miles are complete minus signage and lighting. One of those two mile sections was completed two years ago, but neither are open.

The section 3+ mile section that is around US 35/SR 22 is in the process of being paved now as shown below.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Kok.jpg&hash=46304958728a29b96a87d25935de65343b39fe01)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: Henry on September 21, 2012, 11:22:43 AM
Considering the aparently rapid progress on I-69 downstate, there should be no reason for the delays on the US 31 bypass. If anything, most, if not all, should've been done by now.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on September 21, 2012, 05:31:28 PM
Quote from: Henry on September 21, 2012, 11:22:43 AM
Considering the aparently rapid progress on I-69 downstate, there should be no reason for the delays on the US 31 bypass. If anything, most, if not all, should've been done by now.

No. The last two contracts were let this spring and summer. It takes at least a year to complete a project. The last contract for I-69 sections 1, 2, and 3 was let in early 2011. This was the section near Petersburg. Most I-69 contracts that will open this year were let in the latter half of 2010.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: theline on September 24, 2012, 10:54:42 PM
I passed through Kokomo on US 31 last weekend. Construction has commenced at both termini. US 31 traffic is restricted to one lane each way on both the north and south ends of Kokomo, to facilitate construction of crossover lanes in the median. I made the mistake of passing through during the PM rush hour on Friday. That's never a good idea, and is even a worse idea now. Traffic was backed up for miles.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on September 25, 2012, 07:10:24 AM
Quote from: theline on September 24, 2012, 10:54:42 PM
I passed through Kokomo on US 31 last weekend. Construction has commenced at both termini. US 31 traffic is restricted to one lane each way on both the north and south ends of Kokomo, to facilitate construction of crossover lanes in the median. I made the mistake of passing through during the PM rush hour on Friday. That's never a good idea, and is even a worse idea now. Traffic was backed up for miles.

Thanks for that info.  I'm headed north next weekend and will probably use an alternate route.
Title: US 31 Kokomo Bypass Photos
Post by: mukade on October 22, 2012, 10:59:50 PM
As construction is wrapping up for the year, progress on US 31 is good. Maybe two thirds or more will be essentially done with the remainder under construction. Even signage is going up - recall that INDOT said four miles would not open because the signage would not be up.

The associated US 35 rerouting north of Kokomo is also coming along well with the majority of the concrete pavement laid. I would guess that this road must be done this year because the current US 35 roadway will have to be removed to make room for the northern interchange at current US 31 (SR 931).

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Const--Kokomo-1.jpg&hash=03bac787c852e271b4635864491f43727fa07521)
Southern junction with existing US 31 (future SR 931)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Const--Kokomo-5.jpg&hash=b09860c584cd8217b7186d964cb18ee15e433cbb)
Looking south to the US 35/SR 22 interchange

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Const--Kokomo-3.jpg&hash=e475ec899e6dd45be6fe68158b1d5c9c04d32ad3)
Looking north from CR 50N overpass

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Const--Kokomo-4.jpg&hash=99b965a779c11e9412fbd4138697982928f8a447)
Looking north from CR 200N in the section that required massive amounts of fill

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Const--Kokomo-2.jpg&hash=1180ee45655d8acbdfabc9cbbd86c38142e7d30e)
Touby Pike interchange

Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on October 25, 2012, 08:45:04 PM
Picture of signage on US 31

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Const--Kokomo-6.jpg&hash=43b93023e6e20f7da5597f92fccb42a23ba6d7d7)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: vtk on October 25, 2012, 09:38:31 PM
Ew, I thought they weren't going to do that one-route-per-line ugliness anymore...
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: amroad17 on October 26, 2012, 02:28:54 AM
At least there is exit numbers now.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: roadman65 on October 26, 2012, 04:35:00 AM
All seems to be going well.  Nice photos of the progress!  It is a shame now, because all the eating establishments will not be on US 31 itself when completed.  My favorite buffet: The King Buffet at the intersection of US 31 and SR 22 will no longer be on the beaten path, either I will have to use SR 931 or exit at SR 22.  At least, some relief for locals as the bypass was built for them as well as to set the way for future I-67. 

Haven't been there in over four years, but the next time I most likely get up that way the whole thing will be open.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: theline on October 26, 2012, 07:04:08 PM
Quote from: vtk on October 25, 2012, 09:38:31 PM
Ew, I thought they weren't going to do that one-route-per-line ugliness anymore...
Maybe because US-35 is "south" only, while SR-22 is both "east" and "west"? They seem to use this kind of structure in those cases, like this:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.tinypic.com%2F29zwq46.png&hash=fba241895788ba2652b0b6af1acbf6d245d1d97b)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: Alps on October 26, 2012, 07:43:46 PM
Quote from: theline on October 26, 2012, 07:04:08 PM
Quote from: vtk on October 25, 2012, 09:38:31 PM
Ew, I thought they weren't going to do that one-route-per-line ugliness anymore...
Maybe because US-35 is "south" only, while SR-22 is both "east" and "west"? They seem to use this kind of structure in those cases, like this:

Yeah, but then you want "SOUTH 35" on the left and just "22" on the right with no banner overhead.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: vtk on October 26, 2012, 07:47:14 PM
I don't care what flimsy reasons they have/had for doing it that way; it's ugly, and there are more efficient solutions, and I thought I'd heard they were moving away from the ugly space-wasty layouts.  Either I'm remembering wrong, or someone didn't get the memo.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on October 26, 2012, 07:52:23 PM
Quote from: vtk on October 26, 2012, 07:47:14 PM
I don't care what flimsy reasons they have/had for doing it that way; it's ugly, and there are more efficient solutions, and I thought I'd heard they were moving away from the ugly space-wasty layouts.  Either I'm remembering wrong, or someone didn't get the memo.

Subjective at best.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: Alps on October 27, 2012, 02:02:06 AM
Quote from: mukade on October 26, 2012, 07:52:23 PM
Quote from: vtk on October 26, 2012, 07:47:14 PM
I don't care what flimsy reasons they have/had for doing it that way; it's ugly, and there are more efficient solutions, and I thought I'd heard they were moving away from the ugly space-wasty layouts.  Either I'm remembering wrong, or someone didn't get the memo.

Subjective at best.
Space-wasting is objective - you can get a smaller sign using a better design that puts the shields side by side. Fact.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on October 27, 2012, 08:37:09 AM
Quote from: Steve on October 27, 2012, 02:02:06 AM
Quote from: mukade on October 26, 2012, 07:52:23 PM
Quote from: vtk on October 26, 2012, 07:47:14 PM
I don't care what flimsy reasons they have/had for doing it that way; it's ugly, and there are more efficient solutions, and I thought I'd heard they were moving away from the ugly space-wasty layouts.  Either I'm remembering wrong, or someone didn't get the memo.

Subjective at best.
Space-wasting is objective - you can get a smaller sign using a better design that puts the shields side by side. Fact.

The quote, "I don't care what flimsy reasons they have/had for doing it that way; it's ugly" is clearly subjective.

As for space wasting, that is the standard INDOT uses. It is a valid way to do it, and you can look at it as a state-variation that makes this hobby interesting. The sign-wide exit tabs in Illinois are also space wasting, but who cares? Does the sign communicate the necessary information clearly? That is the pertinent question.

As for the "fact" you stated, there obviously is disagreement there as well. An example from Ohio shown below does it the side by side way. Some people may find it more pleasing to the eye, but the wasted space is largely moved to the sides.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FOhioSign.jpg&hash=4df2ff227440d8724d84469ee093fe28f48aeae1)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NE2 on October 27, 2012, 08:43:29 AM
Move the 35 down and put SOUTH above it. SOUTH takes less vertical space than 35, and it can be centered and spaced well without any additional horizontal space. This isn't subjective. Daniels probably has a buddy in the sign business. (Actually INDOT has been doing it for a while.)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: vtk on October 27, 2012, 04:39:33 PM
Quote from: mukade on October 27, 2012, 08:37:09 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FOhioSign.jpg&hash=4df2ff227440d8724d84469ee093fe28f48aeae1)

That sign's not a great example, but it's closer to the most compact possible layout.  Move the directions above their shields, and do something other than those silly arrows.  If they're not aligned above lanes, they don't have to be 12 feet apart – for that matter, a simple text action message "KEEP RIGHT" would make more sense for this location anyway.

Anyway, I'm entitled to my opinion that INDOT's standard BGS layouts are ugly.  While that's not itself a reason for INDOT change their standard, I seem to recall someone telling me they were going to do so a few years ago.  Now I feel like someone broke a promise or something.  It's annoying, and the result is I bitch about it like Napoleon Dynamite.  God!
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: roadman65 on October 27, 2012, 05:37:08 PM
New Jersey has a great way of signing it.  They go side by side and waste little space as possible.  FDOT here would do the same, although FDOT does not like signing more than two control cities on one sign unlike NJDOT that uses 3.  Heck, GaDOT uses 4 control cities on SB I-75 at Adele, GA on a guide sign, or at least they used to before the road was widened and all overheads are now being used in Georgia on all six or more lane rural highways.

Anyway, true its Indiana's own identity, but it wastes space and it looks much better side by side.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: Alps on October 27, 2012, 05:47:16 PM
By the way, part of my job description as an engineer is sign designer, so when I say "here's the optimal way to do it," I'm not shitting gold out of my ass. I actually know what I'm talking about. Neither of these signs are optimal. You take the elements that need to appear, you take the MUTCD, and you lay out several options until you find the one that works best for what you want - either minimize height, minimize width, or minimize sign area, depending on the constraints you're faced with.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: hbelkins on October 27, 2012, 10:18:51 PM
Given the price of aluminum these days, I'd think smaller signs with less wasted space would be optimum from a cost standpoint. I look at these space-wasters and I see taxpayers' dollars floating off into never-neverland.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on October 27, 2012, 11:21:37 PM
1) AFAIK, there are only three interchanges in the state where this specific condition exists, and all involve US 35. All three have consistent sign design. I-69 at SR 57/SR 68 is a somewhat similar situation that also results in a tall sign, and I-65 at the Borman has perhaps the tallest sign of all.
2) These signs are clear for the motorist
3) The incremental amount of aluminum for so few interchanges is not that much

The better question is why US 35 needs to exist in Indiana at all. It serves no purpose; it is just another useless US highway. If it did not exist, this sign layout would also not exist.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NE2 on October 28, 2012, 02:08:10 AM
Quote from: mukade on October 27, 2012, 11:21:37 PM
1) AFAIK, there are only three interchanges in the state where this specific condition exists, and all involve US 35.
(https://www.aaroads.com/midwest/indiana469/i-469_wb_exit_001_03.jpg)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.interstate-guide.com%2Fimages265%2Fi-265_in_wt_07.jpg&hash=7bbcc705fdc3b6fd0a4d4c66433bcc3eadd150f5)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.interstate-guide.com%2Fimages265%2Fi-265_in_et_06.jpg&hash=592d45a0392c2ddf0034ed10d6c89922d677358a)
(https://www.aaroads.com/midwest/indiana074/i-074_wb_exit_094_05.jpg)


This is how it should be done:
(https://www.aaroads.com/midwest/indiana465/i-465_ol_exit_037_03.jpg)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on October 28, 2012, 08:51:55 AM
Yes, I forgot about those stacked signs. There are probably even more, but still, they are the rare exception.

This discussion is about where an interchange has at least two routes, the respective cardinal directions are different, and one of routes does not cross so the I-69/SR 37 sign is not the same design. Another example like that one (among many) is on the Borman eastbound where I-80, I-94, and US 6 are shields side by side. I-70 at I-465/I-74, I-94 EB at SR 51/US 6 and I-94 EB at Central Avenue also have stacked signs, but the latter is because of lack of room. The former two are examples of what we are talking about.

Question: How would one clearly convey the information on the I-65 and I-469 signs more efficiently?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NE2 on October 28, 2012, 09:02:15 AM
Quote from: mukade on October 28, 2012, 08:51:55 AM
Question: How would one clearly convey the information on the I-65 and I-469 signs more efficiently?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi48.tinypic.com%2F15x3920.jpg&hash=72cea8500a4b00801578f0c4db179570b7408f88)
I-469 is left as an exercise to the reader.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on October 28, 2012, 09:36:49 AM
I like it... except i would have the markers stacked vertically.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NE2 on October 28, 2012, 09:38:53 AM
Quote from: mukade on October 28, 2012, 09:36:49 AM
I like it... except i would have the markers stacked vertically.
You mean you'd have it as it is, an objective waste of materials.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on October 28, 2012, 10:55:21 AM
Quote from: NE2 on October 28, 2012, 09:38:53 AM
Quote from: mukade on October 28, 2012, 09:36:49 AM
I like it... except i would have the markers stacked vertically.
You mean you'd have it as it is, an objective waste of materials.

If the markers and font are kept standard INDOT size, the width of the sign would increase. The way it is done now, you tend to get narrow, tall signs. Side by side yields wide, short signs (like the Ohio example).  In your photoshop example, you shrunk the markers to fit a specific sign. If you endorse smaller markers and fonts and then use a horizontal layout, you would likely save material.

I like it the way it is, and I like variation between the states. The INDOT signage is clear and the material waste is generally insignificant. People are free that have their own likes and dislikes, and in the end, that is exactly what this discussion is about.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NE2 on October 28, 2012, 10:57:43 AM
Quote from: mukade on October 28, 2012, 10:55:21 AM
In your photoshop example, you shrunk the markers to fit a specific sign.
???
Do it yourself if you believe I cheated: http://www.interstate-guide.com/images265/i-265_in_et_06.jpg

Yes, the I-469 example would need to be horizontally stretched. Or you could keep I-69 on its own line and still get some vertical savings.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: PurdueBill on October 28, 2012, 12:46:17 PM
Quote from: vtk on October 27, 2012, 04:39:33 PM
Quote from: mukade on October 27, 2012, 08:37:09 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FOhioSign.jpg&hash=4df2ff227440d8724d84469ee093fe28f48aeae1)

That sign's not a great example, but it's closer to the most compact possible layout.  Move the directions above their shields, and do something other than those silly arrows.  If they're not aligned above lanes, they don't have to be 12 feet apart – for that matter, a simple text action message "KEEP RIGHT" would make more sense for this location anyway.

Anyway, I'm entitled to my opinion that INDOT's standard BGS layouts are ugly.  While that's not itself a reason for INDOT change their standard, I seem to recall someone telling me they were going to do so a few years ago.  Now I feel like someone broke a promise or something.  It's annoying, and the result is I bitch about it like Napoleon Dynamite.  God!

The sign pictured is a somewhat recent carbon-copy of a button copy sign with similar arrows.  The arrows never made sense to me....while there is a left exit for US 23 NB coming up, it exits from the left lane.  No lane drop until after the left exit, and really no reason for the dual arrows on a ground-mounted sign.  Why not a gantry with the signage for the left exit and the continuation of US 30 on 23, like at the analogous approach on US 30 WB approaching 23 on the other side of Upper Sandusky, pictured below, making the dual-arrow sign a conventional pull-through?

(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/546135_10101451516960308_1996148536_n.jpg)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: tdindy88 on October 28, 2012, 07:45:23 PM
Quote from: mukade on October 27, 2012, 11:21:37 PM
The better question is why US 35 needs to exist in Indiana at all. It serves no purpose; it is just another useless US highway. If it did not exist, this sign layout would also not exist.

I think US 35 serves at least some of a purpose from Kokomo north to Logansport and Michigan City and likewise from Muncie to Richmond, connecting those communities. Sure, we could put another number on those highways, but the connection is nice to have. It's the multiplexed segments along SR 22 and I-69 that mess things up. I thought about this a little, how about we get rid of SR 22, or at least the segment that is multiplexed from Kokomo to I-69. That would also take care of the sign problem and not cut out any of the U.S. highway system.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on October 28, 2012, 08:25:55 PM
Quote from: tdindy88 on October 28, 2012, 07:45:23 PM
Quote from: mukade on October 27, 2012, 11:21:37 PM
The better question is why US 35 needs to exist in Indiana at all. It serves no purpose; it is just another useless US highway. If it did not exist, this sign layout would also not exist.

I think US 35 serves at least some of a purpose from Kokomo north to Logansport and Michigan City and likewise from Muncie to Richmond, connecting those communities. Sure, we could put another number on those highways, but the connection is nice to have. It's the multiplexed segments along SR 22 and I-69 that mess things up. I thought about this a little, how about we get rid of SR 22, or at least the segment that is multiplexed from Kokomo to I-69. That would also take care of the sign problem and not cut out any of the U.S. highway system.

US 35 is made up of historic SR 29 (from Michigan City to Logansport), a road that was planned to be SR 17 (between Logansport and Kokomo), and SR 21 (from Jonesboro  to Richmond). When US 35 came to Indiana, SR 35 south of Indy was renumbered to SR 135. I don't think many people would travel from Michigan City to Richmond via US 35 so in my opinion, it could revert to SR 29 and SR 21 on their historic routes. From Logansport to Kokomo, it could be SR 35 (or SR 17, but that is misplaced in the grid).

You are right about the concurrencies with SR 22 and I-69, but also the multiplexes with US 31, SR 28, SR 3, and I-70 show that a large distance of this designation is simply redundant. Apparently, INDOT likes US 35, though. My theory on why INDOT keeps SR 22 with US 35 is that they don't want that many miles of a N-S route going east and west. The concurrency reduces confusion.

I also think US 421 north of Greensburg is unnecessary, but that can be for another discussion.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: theline on October 29, 2012, 07:46:37 PM
Quote from: mukade on October 27, 2012, 11:21:37 PM

The better question is why US 35 needs to exist in Indiana at all. It serves no purpose; it is just another useless US highway.

I've wondered myself why US 35 continues to exist, since it is largely duplexed. As a Muncie native, I recall that one reason for its existence is to allow Muncie to get mentions on two, rather than just one exit from I-69. Muncie only got mentioned at the SR-67/SR-32 exit when I-69 first opened. US 35 was rerouted from its original Wheeling Pike route to follow I-69 and SR-28, specifically so the exit signs at 28 could mention Muncie as a control city. Until then, the control cities were Albany and Alexandria. (SR-332 wasn't built until many years later, so the Frankton exit didn't mention Muncie.)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: tdindy88 on October 29, 2012, 09:38:44 PM
That mention of Muncie made me remember of an article in the Muncie Star Press years ago about the SR 332 exit and why the town of Frankton is listed above Muncie. This was a bit of an uproar over the fact that this little town of Frankton was listed above the larger city of Muncie, but that's for another time. And speaking of US 421, now that I see it on the map, north of Greensburg it's I-74, I-465, SR 29, SR 28, SR 39, US 24 and former SR 43. I can probably do without 421 north of Greensburg too.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on October 30, 2012, 07:44:37 AM
Quote from: theline on October 29, 2012, 07:46:37 PM
Quote from: mukade on October 27, 2012, 11:21:37 PM

The better question is why US 35 needs to exist in Indiana at all. It serves no purpose; it is just another useless US highway.

I've wondered myself why US 35 continues to exist, since it is largely duplexed. As a Muncie native, I recall that one reason for its existence is to allow Muncie to get mentions on two, rather than just one exit from I-69. Muncie only got mentioned at the SR-67/SR-32 exit when I-69 first opened. US 35 was rerouted from its original Wheeling Pike route to follow I-69 and SR-28, specifically so the exit signs at 28 could mention Muncie as a control city. Until then, the control cities were Albany and Alexandria. (SR-332 wasn't built until many years later, so the Frankton exit didn't mention Muncie.)

There is very little duplexing with US 35 north of Kokomo, and it's the main route from Kokomo/Logansport to Michigan City.  I don't see US 35 ever going away.  Stopping US 421 at Greensburg makes more sense.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: hbelkins on October 30, 2012, 09:41:20 AM
Quote from: cabiness42 on October 30, 2012, 07:44:37 AMStopping US 421 at US 25 south of Richmond, KY makes more sense.

FIFY.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: tdindy88 on November 27, 2012, 12:36:41 PM
Kokomo is now trying to annex land out to the new US 31 bypass, which is the kind of thing that made the current US 31 bypass such an enjoyable ride today. Thankfully, the new bypass will be a freeway so I don't really care what Kokomo will do, I won't be stopping.

http://kokomotribune.com/local/x1752035858/Council-OKs-Southeast-Annexation

Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on November 27, 2012, 05:48:56 PM
From what I have read, they are going to the opposite extreme now not wanting service businesses along US 31 so as to not jeopardize existing businesses. Unless a offices, warehousing, light industry, or a 25 acre planned development that could include hotels and restaurants is started, these interchanges will remain isolated, relatively speaking (assuming you call services a mile away isolated).
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ftballfan on December 09, 2012, 11:29:11 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 26, 2012, 04:35:00 AM
All seems to be going well.  Nice photos of the progress!  It is a shame now, because all the eating establishments will not be on US 31 itself when completed.  My favorite buffet: The King Buffet at the intersection of US 31 and SR 22 will no longer be on the beaten path, either I will have to use SR 931 or exit at SR 22.  At least, some relief for locals as the bypass was built for them as well as to set the way for future I-67. 

Haven't been there in over four years, but the next time I most likely get up that way the whole thing will be open.

The bypass looks like it will only be at most two miles east of SR 931 (which is a bypass itself)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on December 09, 2012, 09:24:48 PM
Quote from: ftballfan on December 09, 2012, 11:29:11 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 26, 2012, 04:35:00 AM
All seems to be going well.  Nice photos of the progress!  It is a shame now, because all the eating establishments will not be on US 31 itself when completed.  My favorite buffet: The King Buffet at the intersection of US 31 and SR 22 will no longer be on the beaten path, either I will have to use SR 931 or exit at SR 22.  At least, some relief for locals as the bypass was built for them as well as to set the way for future I-67. 

Haven't been there in over four years, but the next time I most likely get up that way the whole thing will be open.

The bypass looks like it will only be at most two miles east of SR 931 (which is a bypass itself)

Yes, this is true. Services are within a mile at four interchanges. I would guess the US 35 interchange is two miles away from anything. The two merges with SR 931 are also a couple of miles away from anything.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on December 13, 2012, 04:11:07 PM
Are they going to open the whole thing at once, or are they going to open it in sections?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on December 13, 2012, 06:10:47 PM
Supposedly all at once next fall. Over half is completely done minus striping and some signs.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on January 14, 2013, 09:38:09 PM
Quote from: mukade on December 09, 2012, 09:24:48 PM
Quote from: ftballfan on December 09, 2012, 11:29:11 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 26, 2012, 04:35:00 AM
All seems to be going well.  Nice photos of the progress!  It is a shame now, because all the eating establishments will not be on US 31 itself when completed.  My favorite buffet: The King Buffet at the intersection of US 31 and SR 22 will no longer be on the beaten path, either I will have to use SR 931 or exit at SR 22.  At least, some relief for locals as the bypass was built for them as well as to set the way for future I-67. 

Haven't been there in over four years, but the next time I most likely get up that way the whole thing will be open.

The bypass looks like it will only be at most two miles east of SR 931 (which is a bypass itself)

Yes, this is true. Services are within a mile at four interchanges. I would guess the US 35 interchange is two miles away from anything. The two merges with SR 931 are also a couple of miles away from anything.

The US 35 & IN 22 (Markland Ave) interchange will be the closest to traditional highway interchange service establishments as most all of the area west of the new US 31 was already zoned properly before the construction began.  It's a little over a mile to the McDonalds which is at the IN 22 & IN 931 intersection.  Look for this area to become the "service strip" in Kokomo.  Also, the King's Buffet closed, probably due to the Habachi Grill opened nearby.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on January 16, 2013, 06:17:32 PM
Quote from: monty on January 14, 2013, 09:38:09 PM
The US 35 & IN 22 (Markland Ave) interchange will be the closest to traditional highway interchange service establishments as most all of the area west of the new US 31 was already zoned properly before the construction began.  It's a little over a mile to the McDonalds which is at the IN 22 & IN 931 intersection.  Look for this area to become the "service strip" in Kokomo.

That does not square with what the City of Kokomo says. They say no development will be allowed along the highway for several months. When the moratorium is lifted, strict restrictions will be in place to dictate the kind of development that will be allowed. While you don't want to repeat errors of the 1950s and 1960s, this seems to be too far the other way.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: roadman65 on January 16, 2013, 06:38:25 PM
Well, it looks like no threat from Wal Mart here, as they already have a store just east of the US 31 & SR 22 intersection.  Usually, Wal Mart will always build near an interstate interchange (or in this case a freeway bypass), and it either was luck in this case, or they knew the super highway was going to be built.

They are known for being "Downtown Destroyers" or " Mom & Pop Killers" for their modern facilities always on the bypasses or outside town or both taking away consumers from the business district small businesses.  In this case it was always outside, but cause US 31 was moved in the 50's to there.  Like you said, it will be another service strip, unless they cap development.

They should, though, widen SR 22 between new and old US 31 as traffic will increase as this will be the main artery into Downtown Kokomo once the freeway opens.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on January 16, 2013, 06:45:30 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 16, 2013, 06:38:25 PM
Well, it looks like no threat from Wal Mart here, as they already have a store just east of the US 31 & SR 22 intersection.  Usually, Wal Mart will always build near an interstate interchange (or in this case a freeway bypass), and it either was luck in this case, or they knew the super highway was going to be built.

They are known for being "Downtown Destroyers" or " Mom & Pop Killers" for their modern facilities always on the bypasses or outside town or both taking away consumers from the business district small businesses.  In this case it was always outside, but cause US 31 was moved in the 50's to there.  Like you said, it will be another service strip, unless they cap development.

They should, though, widen SR 22 between new and old US 31 as traffic will increase as this will be the main artery into Downtown Kokomo once the freeway opens.

SR 22 was widened (completely rebuilt) last year from just east of CR 300E to Goyer so it is very sufficient. For that matter, Boulevard/CR 100S was also widened to four lanes from US 31 to Goyer and new US 35 (at CR 400N) extension/widening is underway. The only one remaining to be improved, but not widened is the connection from US 31 at Touby Pike to old US 31/future SR 931. I think that may happen in 2013.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on January 16, 2013, 11:02:52 PM
Quote from: mukade on January 16, 2013, 06:17:32 PM
Quote from: monty on January 14, 2013, 09:38:09 PM
The US 35 & IN 22 (Markland Ave) interchange will be the closest to traditional highway interchange service establishments as most all of the area west of the new US 31 was already zoned properly before the construction began.  It's a little over a mile to the McDonalds which is at the IN 22 & IN 931 intersection.  Look for this area to become the "service strip" in Kokomo.


That does not square with what the City of Kokomo says. They say no development will be allowed along the highway for several months. When the moratorium is lifted, strict restrictions will be in place to dictate the kind of development that will be allowed. While you don't want to repeat errors of the 1950s and 1960s, this seems to be too far the other way.

The moratorium is in place to prevent a zoning change. Much of the Markland area west of the new highway was already zoned for business prior to any construction. Thus my reasoning. I agree the city and county have been aggressive to keep land speculation down and to protect established businesses. It will be interesting to see how it all ends up in the long haul.

Quotes go at the bottom.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on January 16, 2013, 11:45:41 PM
Quote from: mukade on January 16, 2013, 06:45:30 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 16, 2013, 06:38:25 PM
Well, it looks like no threat from Wal Mart here, as they already have a store just east of the US 31 & SR 22 intersection.  Usually, Wal Mart will always build near an interstate interchange (or in this case a freeway bypass), and it either was luck in this case, or they knew the super highway was going to be built.

They are known for being "Downtown Destroyers" or " Mom & Pop Killers" for their modern facilities always on the bypasses or outside town or both taking away consumers from the business district small businesses.  In this case it was always outside, but cause US 31 was moved in the 50's to there.  Like you said, it will be another service strip, unless they cap development.

They should, though, widen SR 22 between new and old US 31 as traffic will increase as this will be the main artery into Downtown Kokomo once the freeway opens.

SR 22 was widened (completely rebuilt) last year from just east of CR 300E to Goyer so it is very sufficient. For that matter, Boulevard/CR 100S was also widened to four lanes from US 31 to Goyer and new US 35 (at CR 400N) extension/widening is underway. The only one remaining to be improved, but not widened is the connection from US 31 at Touby Pike to old US 31/future SR 931. I think that may happen in 2013.

Are the going to be any improvements that will be made on future 931?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on January 17, 2013, 08:03:59 AM
Quote from: monty on January 16, 2013, 11:02:52 PM
Quote from: mukade on January 16, 2013, 06:17:32 PM
That does not square with what the City of Kokomo says. They say no development will be allowed along the highway for several months. When the moratorium is lifted, strict restrictions will be in place to dictate the kind of development that will be allowed. While you don't want to repeat errors of the 1950s and 1960s, this seems to be too far the other way.

The moratorium is in place to prevent a zoning change. Much of the Markland area west of the new highway was already zoned for business prior to any construction. Thus my reasoning. I agree the city and county have been aggressive to keep land speculation down and to protect established businesses. It will be interesting to see how it all ends up in the long haul.

Because the city annexed the area, the zoning may not be exactly the same as the county had. How it will be controlled is that any request to subdivide the large parcels will be tabled until they are ready. If a large office building or light industrial facility that required no subdivision was proposed, that could be built, but 1) what are the chances of that? and 2) office or light industry is what they really want. Overall, it is very good to have a master plan and prevent something like two big truck stops and another strip club from being built on potentially prime commercial real estate. What seems unrealistic is to think the existing US 31 strip can be fully protected by severely limiting new building at the new highway. For one thing, when a government picks and chooses who can and can't build, corruption usually comes into the picture. I would say they have the right idea, but are taking it a bit too far.

Quote from: silverback1065 on January 16, 2013, 11:45:41 PM
Are the going to be any improvements that will be made on future 931?

Other than resurfacing and the new interchanges, the state is probably done with SR 931. They want the city or county to take it. It will likely end up being something like to the Keystone Pkwy deal where the state gives some amount of money to rebuild it, and the city uses that as their portion of funding for a federal grant project. It would probably lose its highway characteristics and become a boulevard.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on January 17, 2013, 11:49:13 AM
Quote from: mukade on January 17, 2013, 08:03:59 AM
Quote from: monty on January 16, 2013, 11:02:52 PM
Quote from: mukade on January 16, 2013, 06:17:32 PM
That does not square with what the City of Kokomo says. They say no development will be allowed along the highway for several months. When the moratorium is lifted, strict restrictions will be in place to dictate the kind of development that will be allowed. While you don't want to repeat errors of the 1950s and 1960s, this seems to be too far the other way.

The moratorium is in place to prevent a zoning change. Much of the Markland area west of the new highway was already zoned for business prior to any construction. Thus my reasoning. I agree the city and county have been aggressive to keep land speculation down and to protect established businesses. It will be interesting to see how it all ends up in the long haul.

Because the city annexed the area, the zoning may not be exactly the same as the county had. How it will be controlled is that any request to subdivide the large parcels will be tabled until they are ready. If a large office building or light industrial facility that required no subdivision was proposed, that could be built, but 1) what are the chances of that? and 2) office or light industry is what they really want. Overall, it is very good to have a master plan and prevent something like two big truck stops and another strip club from being built on potentially prime commercial real estate. What seems unrealistic is to think the existing US 31 strip can be fully protected by severely limiting new building at the new highway. For one thing, when a government picks and chooses who can and can't build, corruption usually comes into the picture. I would say they have the right idea, but are taking it a bit too far.

Quote from: silverback1065 on January 16, 2013, 11:45:41 PM
Are the going to be any improvements that will be made on future 931?

Other than resurfacing and the new interchanges, the state is probably done with SR 931. They want the city or county to take it. It will likely end up being something like to the Keystone Pkwy deal where the state gives some amount of money to rebuild it, and the city uses that as their portion of funding for a federal grant project. It would probably lose its highway characteristics and become a boulevard.

Ok so it's going to be 931 only temporarily until they arrive at a deal to give it to the city.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: roadman65 on January 18, 2013, 12:51:10 PM
I think that they should have taken a lesson from DelDOT with the DE 1 Turnpike and from both NJDOT and PennDOT with I-78.

DE 1 has hardly any interchanges in Dover and only two for Smyrna with no connection at all with DE 6 and DE 300.  Just recently they added a partial interchange with DE 8.

I-78 has only one interchange with Phillipsburg, NJ and that was the original NJ West terminus for I-78 and no new interchanges were built between Exit 3 and the Delaware River including CR 519 at Alpha and Carpentersville Road in Phillipsburg.  Then on the PA side you have only one interchange for both Easton and Bethlehem each.  Allentown only has multiple interchanges because of preexisting PA 309, but if it were built on its originally planned alignment further south, it would have only interchanged with PA 29.  Since 1990 when this freeway stretch opened only one interchange was added and that was with PA 33 that is another freeway.  In this case as well as Delaware, politicians and engineers did that to keep development sprawl down to a minimum. 

Fewer interchanges, a lot less than development and those businesses pre-freeway are still king of their marketing domain.  Only thing is DelDOT building an interchange with DE 8 is showing how fast many can forget the original plan.  INDOT should have considered only four interchanges here: both ends of SR 931, and both exits at each end of US 35's overlap.  That will keep the businesses in Kokomo proper with more of a chance of customers being forced to travel existing US 31 and patronize them and also its other access is via SR 22 right in the middle of it all.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on January 18, 2013, 08:01:38 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 18, 2013, 12:51:10 PM
Fewer interchanges, a lot less than development and those businesses pre-freeway are still king of their marketing domain.  Only thing is DelDOT building an interchange with DE 8 is showing how fast many can forget the original plan.  INDOT should have considered only four interchanges here: both ends of SR 931, and both exits at each end of US 35's overlap.  That will keep the businesses in Kokomo proper with more of a chance of customers being forced to travel existing US 31 and patronize them and also its other access is via SR 22 right in the middle of it all.

I don't think you want the majority of traffic looking for services staying on old 31. It is inconvenient for motorists and will add a lot of congestion.

The Original plans called for interchanges at SR 26, Boulevard/CR 100S, SR 22/US 35, and US 35 (north end half interchange) plus the tie-ins to existing US 31. Clearly, the SR 26 and Boulevard interchanges are necessary. The latter is to serve Delphi and Chrysler - having long stretches with no interchanges in heavy commercial areas is not good. The prime example in Indiana was (and maybe still is) I-65 and US 30.

So how did Touby Pike get in there? For some reason, the city wanted one there even though it is fairly desolate and close to the northern US 35 half diamond interchange. INDOT told them to select either Boulevard or Touby. There was no consensus, but the timing was such that Mitch Daniels did not want a delay in construction and granted both in the interest getting construction started.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on January 20, 2013, 08:31:43 AM
The following link is for the article on the building moratorium in place along the new US 31 bypass in Kokomo.

U.S. 31 development moratorium extended - Strict regulations for new corridor still a few months away (http://kokomoperspective.com/kp/u-s-development-moratorium-extended/article_e789e1cc-60c8-11e2-a91f-0019bb2963f4.html) (Kokomo Perspective)

QuoteFor a few more months no businesses will be allowed to build along the new US 31 bypass, but when the moratorium is lifted strict restrictions will be in place to dictate the type of development aht can go along the bypass...
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on March 21, 2013, 08:06:03 PM
Old US 31 is to be maintained as state highway IN 931 through Kokomo.  It will be re-signed as such when the new route opens.  INDOT wanted to turn the old road over to the city and counties, but relented.  I agree that INDOT may try again to cede the old highway but there is no formal timeline set.

Meanwhile, some work is starting to fire up on the last contracts.  A lot of signage has been erected on the now complete interior segments.  The highway is literally complete except for the end points.  You can see some of the unerected signs just east of the SR 26 diamond.  There had been a plan to open the new route between SR 26 & SR 22 and those signs were erected first but then that idea was nixed because there wasn't really enough potential traffic to justify the opening.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on March 23, 2013, 09:35:34 AM
INDOT has opened the new US 35 route at the north end of Kokomo and is cutting out the old alignment west of US 31 as a result of the route being in the way of the SR 931 & US 31 interchange now under construction.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on May 14, 2013, 03:46:00 PM
This is not directly related to the Kokomo bypass, but close:

http://www.in.gov/activecalendar/EventList.aspx?view=EventDetails&eventidn=99833&information_id=181501&type&syndicate=syndicate

QuoteTIPTON COUNTY, Ind. — The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) today announced plans to build a new U.S. 31 interchange at State Road 28 near the future Chrysler Tipton Transmission Plant.

"We will make Indiana the state that works by supporting economic development through infrastructure improvements,"  Governor Pence said. "The new U.S. 31 and S.R. 28 exit will accommodate increased commuter and truck traffic while advancing ongoing efforts to remove stoplights on the highway between Indianapolis and South Bend."

In late February, Governor Pence and Chrysler Group executives announced plans to invest $162 million in the former Getrag facility at the northeast corner of U.S. 31 and S.R. 28 in Tipton County. The site will assemble nine-speed transmissions for Dodge and Jeep models, creating up to 850 new positions. The nearly 800,000-square-foot site is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2014.

The Indiana Department of Transportation plans to begin construction of the new interchange in 2015 at an estimated cost of $17 million.

"This news portends further growth for this critical economic development area. Our residents will be connected to Hamilton and Howard Counties in a very meaningful and constructive way,"  said Don Havens, Mayor of Tipton.

Indiana is currently upgrading and bypassing congested sections of U.S. 31 near Kokomo, South Bend and Indianapolis. When completed, the projects are expected to remove 32 stoplights from the route, cutting a half hour off travel time.

I wonder if this means you will not longer be able to eat here and get gas?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on May 14, 2013, 07:14:32 PM
Quote from: cabiness42 on May 14, 2013, 03:46:00 PM
This is not directly related to the Kokomo bypass, but close:

http://www.in.gov/activecalendar/EventList.aspx?view=EventDetails&eventidn=99833&information_id=181501&type&syndicate=syndicate

QuoteTIPTON COUNTY, Ind. — The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) today announced plans to build a new U.S. 31 interchange at State Road 28 near the future Chrysler Tipton Transmission Plant.

"We will make Indiana the state that works by supporting economic development through infrastructure improvements,"  Governor Pence said. "The new U.S. 31 and S.R. 28 exit will accommodate increased commuter and truck traffic while advancing ongoing efforts to remove stoplights on the highway between Indianapolis and South Bend."

In late February, Governor Pence and Chrysler Group executives announced plans to invest $162 million in the former Getrag facility at the northeast corner of U.S. 31 and S.R. 28 in Tipton County. The site will assemble nine-speed transmissions for Dodge and Jeep models, creating up to 850 new positions. The nearly 800,000-square-foot site is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2014.

The Indiana Department of Transportation plans to begin construction of the new interchange in 2015 at an estimated cost of $17 million.

"This news portends further growth for this critical economic development area. Our residents will be connected to Hamilton and Howard Counties in a very meaningful and constructive way,"  said Don Havens, Mayor of Tipton.

Indiana is currently upgrading and bypassing congested sections of U.S. 31 near Kokomo, South Bend and Indianapolis. When completed, the projects are expected to remove 32 stoplights from the route, cutting a half hour off travel time.

I wonder if this means you will not longer be able to eat here and get gas?
That's good news
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on May 14, 2013, 07:16:39 PM
Quote from: monty on March 23, 2013, 09:35:34 AM
INDOT has opened the new US 35 route at the north end of Kokomo and is cutting out the old alignment west of US 31 as a result of the route being in the way of the SR 931 & US 31 interchange now under construction.

Is that also an interchange (US-31 at US-35)? Forgive me I haven't seen the plans for that particular crossing. 
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on May 14, 2013, 07:42:29 PM
I would guess this means the railroad tracks directly north would also be bridged.... hopefully.

Quote from: cabiness42 on May 14, 2013, 03:46:00 PM
I wonder if this means you will not longer be able to eat here and get gas?

For the last few years, the "get gas" part of that business has been closed down.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: theline on May 14, 2013, 08:23:09 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on May 14, 2013, 07:16:39 PM
Is that also an interchange (US-31 at US-35)? Forgive me I haven't seen the plans for that particular crossing.

Yes. See the map here: http://www.in.gov/indot/projects/images/MP_US31KokomoAerialMap_2012.JPG (http://www.in.gov/indot/projects/images/MP_US31KokomoAerialMap_2012.JPG). The US 31/35 North exit is the dark blue half-diamond. The "missing" motions are covered by taking the old 31 (931) north from the new 35.

Quote from: mukade on May 14, 2013, 07:42:29 PM
I would guess this means the railroad tracks directly north would also be bridged.... hopefully.

Yes to you too, mukade. The new freeway will span 3 railroads, the Central Railroad of Indianapolis (twice) and the Norfolk Southern.

Good news about the SR 28 interchange, though lacking specifics on timetable and funding. I suppose that will follow in due course.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on May 15, 2013, 07:43:36 AM
Quote from: mukade on May 14, 2013, 07:42:29 PM
For the last few years, the "get gas" part of that business has been closed down.

So they no longer serve spicy food?  :biggrin:
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: tvketchum on May 27, 2013, 09:22:55 PM
Quote from: cabiness42 on May 14, 2013, 03:46:00 PM
This is not directly related to the Kokomo bypass, but close:

http://www.in.gov/activecalendar/EventList.aspx?view=EventDetails&eventidn=99833&information_id=181501&type&syndicate=syndicate

QuoteTIPTON COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) today announced plans to build a new U.S. 31 interchange at State Road 28 near the future Chrysler Tipton Transmission Plant.

"We will make Indiana the state that works by supporting economic development through infrastructure improvements,” Governor Pence said. "The new U.S. 31 and S.R. 28 exit will accommodate increased commuter and truck traffic while advancing ongoing efforts to remove stoplights on the highway between Indianapolis and South Bend.”

In late February, Governor Pence and Chrysler Group executives announced plans to invest $162 million in the former Getrag facility at the northeast corner of U.S. 31 and S.R. 28 in Tipton County. The site will assemble nine-speed transmissions for Dodge and Jeep models, creating up to 850 new positions. The nearly 800,000-square-foot site is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2014.

The Indiana Department of Transportation plans to begin construction of the new interchange in 2015 at an estimated cost of $17 million.

"This news portends further growth for this critical economic development area. Our residents will be connected to Hamilton and Howard Counties in a very meaningful and constructive way,” said Don Havens, Mayor of Tipton.

Indiana is currently upgrading and bypassing congested sections of U.S. 31 near Kokomo, South Bend and Indianapolis. When completed, the projects are expected to remove 32 stoplights from the route, cutting a half hour off travel time.

I wonder if this means you will not longer be able to eat here and get gas?

What is wrong here- The plant opens in 2014, and the interchange construction begins in 2015? Why not get this done BEFORE the plant opens up and eliminate bottlenecking the new facility for a year?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on May 28, 2013, 05:58:15 PM
The state is too obsessed with getting 69 done to care that much about that interchange.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: triplemultiplex on May 28, 2013, 06:30:08 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on May 28, 2013, 05:58:15 PM
The state is too obsessed with getting 69 done to care that much about that interchange.

Giggity.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: vtk on May 28, 2013, 07:48:09 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on May 28, 2013, 05:58:15 PM
The state is too obsessed ... to care that much about ....

That would make sense if the state had a singular consciousness.  I'm sure some state employees see the problem and would like to do something about it, but of course funding is limited.  There's a difference between insufficient funds and insufficient attention.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on May 28, 2013, 09:24:48 PM
Actually the governor and IDOT commissioner are quite committed to improving US 31 to an interstate standard from Indy to South Bend.  This is another piece that popped up when Chrysler made their announcement formal just a few months ago.  Money is tight. To get this going by 2015 is an impressive move these days.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: thefro on May 29, 2013, 09:07:12 AM
Quote from: monty on May 28, 2013, 09:24:48 PM
Actually the governor and IDOT commissioner are quite committed to improving US 31 to an interstate standard from Indy to South Bend.  This is another piece that popped up when Chrysler made their announcement formal just a few months ago.  Money is tight. To get this going by 2015 is an impressive move these days.

Agreed... considering there's some planning that would have to go into this (it's not an empty interchange) plus getting the necessary budget, starting construction in 2015 is pretty quick.

They can always change the timing of the stop light in the interim if it ends up being a bottleneck.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on May 29, 2013, 10:11:54 AM
Quote from: vtk on May 28, 2013, 07:48:09 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on May 28, 2013, 05:58:15 PM
The state is too obsessed ... to care that much about ....

That would make sense if the state had a singular consciousness.  I'm sure some state employees see the problem and would like to do something about it, but of course funding is limited.  There's a difference between insufficient funds and insufficient attention.

That's basically what I was getting at, just said it in the wrong way.  After this interchange won't the traffic light count go down to 5?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on May 29, 2013, 10:33:37 AM
Quote from: silverback1065 on May 29, 2013, 10:11:54 AM
Quote from: vtk on May 28, 2013, 07:48:09 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on May 28, 2013, 05:58:15 PM
The state is too obsessed ... to care that much about ....

That would make sense if the state had a singular consciousness.  I'm sure some state employees see the problem and would like to do something about it, but of course funding is limited.  There's a difference between insufficient funds and insufficient attention.

That's basically what I was getting at, just said it in the wrong way.  After this interchange won't the traffic light count go down to 5?

I think so.

Miami County CR 100 N
Miami County BUS US 31 S
Miami County SR 218 W
Miami County SR 18
Tipton County Division Rd
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on July 27, 2013, 09:44:42 PM
Quote from: cabiness42 on May 29, 2013, 10:33:37 AM
Quote from: silverback1065 on May 29, 2013, 10:11:54 AM
Quote from: vtk on May 28, 2013, 07:48:09 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on May 28, 2013, 05:58:15 PM
The state is too obsessed ... to care that much about ....

That would make sense if the state had a singular consciousness.  I'm sure some state employees see the problem and would like to do something about it, but of course funding is limited.  There's a difference between insufficient funds and insufficient attention.

That's basically what I was getting at, just said it in the wrong way.  After this interchange won't the traffic light count go down to 5?

I think so.

Miami County CR 100 N
Miami County BUS US 31 S
Miami County SR 218 W
Miami County SR 18
Tipton County Division Rd

Presumably, there will still be six - you forgot 236th Street in Hamilton County. OTOH, I think they are extending CR 560W from half a mile north of SR 28 to CR 100S. That and the new interchange at SR 28 may mean the end of the light at Division Road.

Shown below are current pics from Kokomo.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31_From_50N-1.jpg&hash=3a57252e6b178e8dd2de83f9913c277d155ed710)
Looking north from CR 50N a half mile north of SR 22 interchange

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31_From_50N-2.jpg&hash=6564205eb976d893656112dd53b90fb1d9d9b73e)
Looking south from CR 50N at the SR 22 exit sign

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31_Touby-1.jpg&hash=839721e8e4262cd3513700f515fd18d3348b92a2)
Looking north from Touby Pike where things are going slowly. In the distance, the freeway is already paved despite that project having started months after the Touby Pike interchange project shown in the foreground

Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: roadman65 on July 28, 2013, 03:49:01 PM
Would it not be better to center the SR 22 shield?  Even better yet place the two shields side by side and have the "SOUTH" above the US 35 shield or being this is actual US 35 trailblazing the direction is not even needed at all, however I can live with the latter as it is a signature feature of the Hoosier State to have route numbers on different lines on guide signs and in a way neat. 
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on July 28, 2013, 09:36:53 PM
"I think they are extending CR 560W from half a mile north of SR 28 to CR 100S."
Yes, Tipton County plans to extend CR 560W from its current terminus (shortly beyond the new Chrysler plant) about a half mile further north, crossing the NS RR to connect with the existing CR 550W at CR 100S in 2014. This will allow Chrysler traffic to travel either north to Division Road or south to SR 28. 
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: Revive 755 on July 28, 2013, 09:55:56 PM
Quote from: vtk on May 28, 2013, 07:48:09 PM
That would make sense if the state had a singular consciousness.  I'm sure some state employees see the problem and would like to do something about it, but of course funding is limited.  There's a difference between insufficient funds and insufficient attention.

[semi sarcastic]And if INDOT is run like some other DOT's, the employees that see the problem are told to be quiet and/or get lost, not try and fix it.[/semi sarcastic]
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on August 07, 2013, 06:04:33 AM
Quote
U.S. 31 has been Kokomo's commercial artery for half a century, going from a rural highway to a billboard-strewn retail center.

To the east, a new bypass is nearing completion, a road that will either supplant or compliment the old 31, depending on key decisions facing local officials.

One of the biggest decisions will be made in concert with the Indiana Department of Transportation, where state officials are hoping to "relinquish"  the old 31, giving it to the city of Kokomo in perpetuity...

Bypass or boulevard? Decisions looming on the old 31 corridor (http://kokomotribune.com/local/x1750256968/Bypass-or-boulevard) (Kokomo Tribune)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on August 07, 2013, 07:42:57 AM
Quote from: mukade on August 07, 2013, 06:04:33 AM
Quote
U.S. 31 has been Kokomo's commercial artery for half a century, going from a rural highway to a billboard-strewn retail center.

To the east, a new bypass is nearing completion, a road that will either supplant or compliment the old 31, depending on key decisions facing local officials.

One of the biggest decisions will be made in concert with the Indiana Department of Transportation, where state officials are hoping to "relinquish"  the old 31, giving it to the city of Kokomo in perpetuity...

Bypass or boulevard? Decisions looming on the old 31 corridor (http://kokomotribune.com/local/x1750256968/Bypass-or-boulevard) (Kokomo Tribune)

New road will be SR 931, not US 931, and Keystone was SR 431, not US 431. 
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on August 07, 2013, 10:59:51 PM
Why is INDOT so obsessed with getting rid of highways through urban areas, even if it makes routes discontinuous?  I guess this means eventually highways will randomly begin and end on either sides of cities.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on August 08, 2013, 07:48:42 AM
For the most part, cities/counties are fine with making these transitions.  They have a better understanding of the needs and use of their local roads than the state, and the state can focus more attention on maintaining the more major highways. 

As roadgeeks it stinks to have route numbers disappearing, but it really does make sense.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NE2 on August 08, 2013, 07:51:33 AM
It only makes sense if you conflate state maintenance with state numbering.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on August 08, 2013, 08:32:51 AM
Quote from: cabiness42 on August 08, 2013, 07:48:42 AM
For the most part, cities/counties are fine with making these transitions.  They have a better understanding of the needs and use of their local roads than the state, and the state can focus more attention on maintaining the more major highways. 

As roadgeeks it stinks to have route numbers disappearing, but it really does make sense.

I know it just sucks that they are doing it, it is also way cheaper too.  Is INDOT the only organization doing this?  It seems like most other states still maintain their state/us route in urban areas, Columbus, Ohio and Chicago come to mind.  It would be interesting if they did something like Massachusetts and Maryland and let the cities maintain some of the urban state routes.  Anyway, I've been on the current US 31, why would they want roundabouts on that road?  That just doesn't seem like a good idea for that particular road.  I guess their idea is to turn it into something like Hazel Dell Parkway in Carmel.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on August 08, 2013, 09:38:09 AM
Quote from: NE2 on August 08, 2013, 07:51:33 AM
It only makes sense if you conflate state maintenance with state numbering.

Well, I'm not familiar with the practices of other states, but that's the way it is in Indiana.  I personally wouldn't be opposed to keeping highways signed even after being turned over to localities, but I guess this way it's easier for the public to know where to direct their complaints about roads based on whether or not the road is signed.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: vtk on August 08, 2013, 04:03:26 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on August 08, 2013, 08:32:51 AM
It seems like most other states still maintain their state/us route in urban areas, Columbus, Ohio and Chicago come to mind.

In Ohio, incorporated cities over some threshold population take over maintenence of state highways (except Interstates) within their borders.  I suspect there is an annual stipend from the state, based on centerline mileage, to pay for this maintenance.  Signage of the routes continues, though this is also performed by the city. 
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: tdindy88 on August 08, 2013, 04:53:20 PM
There's also the often-mentioned mileage cap to consider, fewer than 12,000 miles of state-maintained highways allowed by state law. However I do not see a Hazel Dell or a Keystone happening along the current US 31 through Kokomo. Hazel Dell works because it's in a residential area (the same reason a lot of those roundabouts work in Carmel) and likewise Keystone travels through mostly residential areas. US 31 in Kokomo is largely commercial with splatterings of residential and industrial and traffic along that route should remain decent. I wouldn't object to repaving the road and sprucing it up with sidewalks and bike lanes (keeping the current lane configuration) but roundabout intersections wouldn't be the way.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mgk920 on August 08, 2013, 09:40:49 PM
I would probably want to redo it into a useful, tree-lined arterial boulevard.

Mike
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on August 11, 2013, 09:59:44 AM
Maybe that is why they are called them state roads in Indiana, and not state routes. This desire to shed state-maintained highways has been going on at least since 2000 - probably long before. It certainly is nothing new. Indiana is not close to the mileage cap mandated by law so that is a non-issue. A law that does enter in, I think, is that each county seat must be served by a state road. That might explain why SR 23 stays in South Bend, SR 441 stays in Vincennes, and similar.

I am all for having the state roads match the modern travelling habits. Consider how US 6 is routed from Joliet to Torrance Ave. in Illinois. In the old days, US 6 was routed on Ridge Road in Indiana from Munster to SR 51. So imagine a person who wished to travel from Joliet to Kendallville. Would anyone take that old route? Would anyone travelling from Greenfield to Brazil use Washington Street (former US 40) through Indy? If I wanted to travel from Sycamore, Illinois to the Loop, would I really take Illinois 64 the whole way? Why is North Avenue mainteded by IDOT as Illinois 64 in Chicago at all in 2013? So I think what INDOT is doing is good because it makes the state highway system more closely support and match modern travel habits, and it helps INDOT focus on improving the major roads we use rather than maintaining local or obsolete ones.

US 6 follows local roads in Illinois to this day closely paralleling I-80 across the state. There are many other examples in Illinois. In Indiana, US 31 south of Columbus still does the same following I-65 as does US 136 which follows I-74. I would rather see INDOT dump most areas of these redundant routes as well.

What makes little sense to me is when a state highway abruptly ends at a city limit, not at another highway. SR 61, for example ends at the Vincennes city limit. Another strange example is how SR 38 takes a long detour around Pendleton. I also scratch my head on why US 52 in Lafayette is being shifted from a divided highway (Sagamore parkway) to a two lane road (Teal Road) in Lafayette.

The way Indiana does it compared to Ohio where a state route can be maintained by a city still can work well if trailblazers are used liberally. Old SR 26 through Lafayette, for example, has more "TO I-65" signs (including I-65 shields painted on the pavement) than it had SR 26 signs. While that is great, I don't get why they don't also have trailblazers to SR 26. In the SR 61 in Vincennes example above, there are (or used to be at least) a good number of trailblazers so I doubt that many people get lost there.

So I guess I come in on the side of liking what INDOT is doing, but would like to see heavy use of trailblazers to major highways on the old routings in the city where to road was transferred to local control.

As for US 31/Reed Road in Kokomo, local control would allow this to be made into a much more attractive and functional road. A 1950s-style highway bypass with guardrails in the median and no curbs is not ideal for an area that is the commercial hub for Kokomo and surrounding cities and is all built up now.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on August 11, 2013, 10:18:45 AM
Quote from: mukade on August 11, 2013, 09:59:44 AM
Maybe that is why they are called them state roads in Indiana, and not state routes. This desire to shed state-maintained highways has been going on at least since 2000 - probably long before. It certainly is nothing new. Indiana is not close to the mileage cap mandated by law so that is a non-issue. A law that does enter in, I think, is that each county seat must be served by a state road. That might explain why SR 23 stays in South Bend, SR 441 stays in Vincennes, and similar.

I am all for having the state roads match the modern travelling habits. Consider how US 6 is routed from Joliet to Torrance Ave. in Illinois. In the old days, US 6 was routed on Ridge Road in Indiana from Munster to SR 51. So imagine a person who wished to travel from Joliet to Kendallville. Would anyone take that old route? Would anyone travelling from Greenfield to Brazil use Washington Street (former US 40) through Indy? If I wanted to travel from Sycamore, Illinois to the Loop, would I really take Illinois 64 the whole way? Why is North Avenue mainteded by IDOT as Illinois 64 in Chicago at all in 2013? So I think what INDOT is doing is good because it makes the state highway system more closely support and match modern travel habits, and it helps INDOT focus on improving the major roads we use rather than maintaining local or obsolete ones.

US 6 follows local roads in Illinois to this day closely paralleling I-80 across the state. There are many other examples in Illinois. In Indiana, US 31 south of Columbus still does the same following I-65 as does US 136 which follows I-74. I would rather see INDOT dump most areas of these redundant routes as well.

What makes little sense to me is when a state highway abruptly ends at a city limit, not at another highway. SR 61, for example ends at the Vincennes city limit. Another strange example is how SR 38 takes a long detour around Pendleton. I also scratch my head on why US 52 in Lafayette is being shifted from a divided highway (Sagamore parkway) to a two lane road (Teal Road) in Lafayette.

The way Indiana does it compared to Ohio where a state route can be maintained by a city still can work well if trailblazers are used liberally. Old SR 26 through Lafayette, for example, has more "TO I-65" signs (including I-65 shields painted on the pavement) than it had SR 26 signs. While that is great, I don't get why they don't also have trailblazers to SR 26. In the SR 61 in Vincennes example above, there are (or used to be at least) a good number of trailblazers so I doubt that many people get lost there.

So I guess I come in on the side of liking what INDOT is doing, but would like to see heavy use of trailblazers to major highways on the old routings in the city where to road was transferred to local control.

As for US 31/Reed Road in Kokomo, local control would allow this to be made into a much more attractive and functional road. A 1950s-style highway bypass with guardrails in the median and no curbs is not ideal for an area that is the commercial hub for Kokomo and surrounding cities and is all built up now.

Good point, personally I like taking the old route a lot, (like US 40 instead of I-70) likely because I'm a road geek, but the average traveler would never do that.  As for US 40 and US 136 and US 31, I think AASHTO is partly why they won't decommission those routes, coupled with the counties not wanting to maintain the old routes.  As for SR 38, it was never supposed to be rerouted, the City of Pendleton asked INDOT to because they wanted to better control truck traffic, until recently, it did just end at either side of the city, and only recently it was rerouted on the current routing it is on.  I didn't know that rule about the county seat having to have a state road, I guess that also explains SR 22 in Kokomo, and US 27 in Ft Wayne. 
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on August 11, 2013, 12:32:05 PM
Quote from: NE2 on August 08, 2013, 07:51:33 AM
It only makes sense if you conflate state maintenance with state numbering.

We do that in the US. It is sort of like conflating Interstate numbering with freeway standards. I suppose Dwight Eisenhower was responsible for that as the I-system was patterned after the German Autobahns. Of course Germany is not nearly as expansive as the US so the same rules may not make the most sense. While on one had, two reasons that justified the Interstate system were to promote economic growth and support national defense, there is no allowance to sign key routes in some parts of the country that simply may not need a full freeway. In every other way, they might still meet the criteria for being an Interstate. Because the two are tied, you see proposals like I-69 through western Mississippi and southern Arkansas or I-66 in Kentucky just so politicians can get a red, white, and blue shield up in their district. Personally, I think certain key expressways should qualify for Interstate designation if traffic volume is below a certain point.

Also, it is pretty inconsistent when they do grant exceptions. I-94 thru Jackson, MI is downright dangerous, but I-69 on the Pennyrile Parkway in Kentucky can't get signed even though overall, that is a much safer road. I 100% support the upgrades, but don't understand why that would delay signing a highway.

A good example of an expressway that could be an Interstate is the part of US 31 north of US 24 and south of US 30. I doubt an objective analysis of current traffic volumes justify an upgrade to a freeway, but it certainly is a primary inter-city and inter-region route. South of US 24 should be upgraded to freeway.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NE2 on August 11, 2013, 01:09:21 PM
Quote from: mukade on August 11, 2013, 12:32:05 PM
Quote from: NE2 on August 08, 2013, 07:51:33 AM
It only makes sense if you conflate state maintenance with state numbering.

We do that in the US.
Not always. There is no relationship between maintenance and signing in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Many other states normally sign only routes that they maintain, but definitely have the occasional route along a locally-maintained street.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on August 22, 2013, 09:20:39 PM
Quote
Miami County officials want to develop a strategic plan for U.S. 31 to prepare for a pending state project that will likely turn the highway into a limited-access freeway through the county...

Miami County is immediately north of Kokomo.

Miami County to develop plan for U.S. 31 (http://kokomotribune.com/local/x335456239/Miami-County-to-develop-plan-for-U-S-31) (Kokomo Tribune)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: Indyroads on August 23, 2013, 08:49:01 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on August 08, 2013, 08:32:51 AM
Quote from: cabiness42 on August 08, 2013, 07:48:42 AM
For the most part, cities/counties are fine with making these transitions.  They have a better understanding of the needs and use of their local roads than the state, and the state can focus more attention on maintaining the more major highways. 

As roadgeeks it stinks to have route numbers disappearing, but it really does make sense.

I know it just sucks that they are doing it, it is also way cheaper too.  Is INDOT the only organization doing this?  It seems like most other states still maintain their state/us route in urban areas, Columbus, Ohio and Chicago come to mind.  It would be interesting if they did something like Massachusetts and Maryland and let the cities maintain some of the urban state routes.  Anyway, I've been on the current US 31, why would they want roundabouts on that road?  That just doesn't seem like a good idea for that particular road.  I guess their idea is to turn it into something like Hazel Dell Parkway in Carmel.
Not quite the roudabouts will be in place at the ends of the ramps on the cross streets. US-31 will be a freeway that passes over the cross streets. More like Keystone parkway but built to interstate standards.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on August 23, 2013, 10:26:31 PM
Quote from: Indyroads on August 23, 2013, 08:49:01 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on August 08, 2013, 08:32:51 AM
Quote from: cabiness42 on August 08, 2013, 07:48:42 AM
For the most part, cities/counties are fine with making these transitions.  They have a better understanding of the needs and use of their local roads than the state, and the state can focus more attention on maintaining the more major highways. 

As roadgeeks it stinks to have route numbers disappearing, but it really does make sense.

I know it just sucks that they are doing it, it is also way cheaper too.  Is INDOT the only organization doing this?  It seems like most other states still maintain their state/us route in urban areas, Columbus, Ohio and Chicago come to mind.  It would be interesting if they did something like Massachusetts and Maryland and let the cities maintain some of the urban state routes.  Anyway, I've been on the current US 31, why would they want roundabouts on that road?  That just doesn't seem like a good idea for that particular road.  I guess their idea is to turn it into something like Hazel Dell Parkway in Carmel.
Not quite the roudabouts will be in place at the ends of the ramps on the cross streets. US-31 will be a freeway that passes over the cross streets. More like Keystone parkway but built to interstate standards.

I was referring on what happens to SR 931 when it goes back to Kokomo, I thought what they meant by roundabouts, they meant traditional style, not teardrop style like on keystone.  By the way, I like the modified shield on your profile, how'd you get it?  It's better than the current Indiana shields!
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on September 12, 2013, 07:52:26 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FIntchg%2FUS31--SR931S-2013-1.jpg&hash=edbabd9c92dbcce37dad3029a604c2f42181a59d)

Not that this is near opening, but it is interesting to see.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: roadman65 on September 12, 2013, 08:03:56 PM
I was hoping that soon to be old US 31 would become US 31 Business!

It would be easier in changing signs as only an extra banner would need to be added instead of a whole shield.  Plus like US 1 in Pendell, PA and Oxford Valley, PA where it was moved to a freeway bypass kept the old route as a business route, made it easy on business along the trek.  It still allows them to say "US 1" as a location as it still is part of US 1 there, so when it was changed back in the late 80s, a place like Reedman Auto Dealer who was always advertising being on US 1 for years was able to keep his advertisments the same after the switch!
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on September 12, 2013, 10:41:00 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 12, 2013, 08:03:56 PM
I was hoping that soon to be old US 31 would become US 31 Business!

It would be easier in changing signs as only an extra banner would need to be added instead of a whole shield.  Plus like US 1 in Pendell, PA and Oxford Valley, PA where it was moved to a freeway bypass kept the old route as a business route, made it easy on business along the trek.  It still allows them to say "US 1" as a location as it still is part of US 1 there, so when it was changed back in the late 80s, a place like Reedman Auto Dealer who was always advertising being on US 1 for years was able to keep his advertisments the same after the switch!

Indiana doesn't do business routes, any business routes you see in Indiana are maintained by the city that it's in, not the state.  So if you want a BUS US 31, ask Kokomo to do it.  I think it would be cool to do when Kokomo takes control.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on September 13, 2013, 08:39:49 PM
Traffic is to be re-routed tonight over the new "931" bridge.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on October 10, 2013, 04:23:51 PM
At the Indiana Logistics Summit today, Governor Pence gave the luncheon speech about the future of Indiana's logistics system.  Near the beginning of his remarks, he told the audience that he has given INDOT three objectives in developing their project plan: take care of what we have, finish what we start, and plan for the future.  As part of the "finish what we start"  measure, he stated that this objective includes "getting 31 done to South Bend with no interruptions" !
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on October 22, 2013, 10:09:20 AM
Many of the new signs at the intersections with the new US 31 around Kokomo have been erected.  They are all identical, even at the US 35 / IN 22 interchange.  Large overheads with US 31 N or S and destinations of Indianapolis and South Bend.  At US 35, there are no large or overhead signs indicating that US 35 moves to the new route, only standard shields erected at the actual junction.  I thought maybe the "US" route designation and the new roadway constructed on that route would include a higher level type of signage.

INDOT plans to have the new route open by Thanksgiving but it seems there is quite a bit of concrete pavement to be laid at the north and south connectors.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on October 22, 2013, 11:03:53 AM
Ideally, the new route would open November 27 at about 6pm  :D
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on October 22, 2013, 06:18:26 PM
Quote from: monty on October 22, 2013, 10:09:20 AM
Many of the new signs at the intersections with the new US 31 around Kokomo have been erected.  They are all identical, even at the US 35 / IN 22 interchange.  Large overheads with US 31 N or S and destinations of Indianapolis and South Bend.  At US 35, there are no large or overhead signs indicating that US 35 moves to the new route, only standard shields erected at the actual junction.  I thought maybe the "US" route designation and the new roadway constructed on that route would include a higher level type of signage.

INDOT plans to have the new route open by Thanksgiving but it seems there is quite a bit of concrete pavement to be laid at the north and south connectors.

Yes, but oddly, the ones at Touby Pike do show the US 35 shield:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31atToubyPike-1.jpg&hash=b88d4208726716014280c5496b7c25f0cd66966c)

The signs at SR 22 are correct according to the published plans.

From what I saw, the north tie-in end paving is essentially done except at the new US 35 itself. The south tie-in concrete work is mostly done, surprisingly. Only right at old US 31 (SR 931) is there a gap. Most of the asphalt shoulders aren't complete on the south section.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on November 01, 2013, 07:42:25 PM
Looks like the new Kokomo US 31 route will open on Nov 26.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on November 01, 2013, 09:47:21 PM
Quote from: monty on November 01, 2013, 07:42:25 PM
Looks like the new Kokomo US 31 route will open on Nov 26.

That makes me want to push my trip up a day.  It's been a long time since I've driven on a new road the first day it opened.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ysuindy on November 03, 2013, 12:47:29 AM
Drove up to South Bend and back today for the Notre Dame football game. Sometime during the day northbound traffic on the north end of the project was switched to the new flyover ramp.  Coming home I saw lights seemingly floating in the air as a truck was going northbound.

Will be heading up the afternoon of the 26th to pick my son up for Thanksgiving break.  Will be very pleased if we get a chance to drive the bypass.

I was impressed with the amount of work done the last week but still seems like a lot to do to this uneducated eye.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on November 03, 2013, 06:48:11 PM
Quote from: ysuindy on November 03, 2013, 12:47:29 AM
Drove up to South Bend and back today for the Notre Dame football game. Sometime during the day northbound traffic on the north end of the project was switched to the new flyover ramp.  Coming home I saw lights seemingly floating in the air as a truck was going northbound.

Will be heading up the afternoon of the 26th to pick my son up for Thanksgiving break.  Will be very pleased if we get a chance to drive the bypass.

I was impressed with the amount of work done the last week but still seems like a lot to do to this uneducated eye.


They're going to be busy at the south tie-in, for sure, but a month before I-69 opened last year it looked worse there. I drove by the south end today (Sunday), and they were paving the shoulders. On the north end, they were striping, and except for informational signage, it looks ready to open.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Const-SR931-1.jpg&hash=ceb6c66669ea35d5ed37012ed9372a92604cfca6)

In the picture above, the concrete pavement in the foreground was laid down since Friday night so it was somewhere between 20 and 36 hours old. The southbound ramp on the left is the only concrete paving to do. I bet that will be done by Wednesday. Beyond that, asphalt shoulders and a short asphalt transition remain.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Const-Touby-2013-1.jpg&hash=af6f6eebe3b886a5e15455ea317318eaf1ed093b)

The picture above is taken from Touby Pike. This section was essentially done before October 12 (the date of the Highway Marathon). Since then, signs have been put up, and the striping trucks were out today. The only paving that remains is a few hundred feet of the westbound US 35 west of US 31.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on November 08, 2013, 08:35:14 PM
More pics from a week later and two weeks from opening...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Const-SR931-4.jpg&hash=76b85a417f220e8448c441d58672241ae5e476fd)
Northbound US 31 at southern SR 931 interchange

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Const-SR931-2.jpg&hash=33f7c3dcb405eaf385802fb092ca43bdf5b1a5b8)
Close-up view of the last bit of concrete paving at the same location on 11/8/2013

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Const-SR931-3.jpg&hash=e3c60f6498c5177bb984a7eda41d08e61df430a4)
Southbound view from the same location

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Const-South-4.jpg&hash=3a081ca51cb6bd5a72426d21010ae516580b56d4)
Southbound at Tipton-Howard county line on 11/1/2013

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Const-South-2.jpg&hash=ff4a60ba5125df6f89e8084e3fa4717e420c3de8)
Southbound at Tipton-Howard county line on 11/8/2013

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Const-South-3.jpg&hash=215b53fb1060569c1b52443dd1d756880960a13f)
Northbound at Tipton-Howard county line on 11/1/2013

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Const-South-1.jpg&hash=bfddd6e736989836a021620009b97713f312dfc3)
Northbound at Tipton-Howard county line on 11/8/2013

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Const-SR931-5.jpg&hash=ca2f6add0496cde77c7a7cce77032800bf5a760d)
Southbound at northern interchange with SR 931 on 11/8/2013

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31Const-US35-1.jpg&hash=63c73d9a1a3ae784f3f22a8df4f74e9f9273b2a3)
Westbound on CR 400N at the US 35 northern interchange on 11/8/2013





Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: roadman65 on November 16, 2013, 07:34:39 PM
I was noticing that Cracker Barrel billboard on one of your pictures.  It list the store ahead 3 miles which might have to be changed some when the new freeway opens up.

I am confused though, as where is the US 31 traffic being temporarily shifted while this work takes place as I do not see any movement of vehicles around.  I doubt the state would allow US 31 to be closed during construction either due to its importance in commerce and travel.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on November 16, 2013, 08:53:49 PM
Traffic has been shifted to the new northbound ramp from US 31 to current US 31/future SR 931. As of this date, Google Maps shows it pretty well for the northbound lane carriageway, except the southbound lanes are still under construction. I am assuming the US 31 bypass will open up on November 26 before holiday travel begins on the 27th. The main tasks remaining are signage and striping in the portions that were built in the last 12 months. The rest is done.

Cracker Barrel is about 2.5 miles north of that location on future SR 931.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: roadman65 on November 17, 2013, 07:09:17 PM
I did not see the NB GSV.  The aerial shots do not show the new freeway except for some clearings in the fields and an opening in the median where the new interchange is about.

I see that the intersection to the south of the interchange was replaced with an overpass.  What is interesting is not only planning for the future, as the overall aspiration is to make US 31 full freeway from Indy to South Bend, but the piers used.  I have not seen solid wall like piers since I left New Jersey.  The Garden State Parkway and NJ 18 are full of those kind and it is great to see them used in other parts of our great nation.

I am assuming that the speed limit will be 70 mph on the new freeway when opened or does Indiana have rules against non interstate designations not connected to the interstate system to be signed higher than 60 or 65?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: theline on November 17, 2013, 10:27:29 PM
So far 65 is the highest limit for freeways that are non-interstates, like the St. Joseph Valley Parkway, part of which is also US 31. I doubt they go higher than that. It's silly to make that distinction. If a freeway is constructed to interstate standards, why not use the same limit as on interstates?

The new US 31 construction from Plymouth to South Bend is using similar walls. I think they dress up the road.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: PurdueBill on November 18, 2013, 12:50:37 AM
Quote from: theline on November 17, 2013, 10:27:29 PM
So far 65 is the highest limit for freeways that are non-interstates, like the St. Joseph Valley Parkway, part of which is also US 31. I doubt they go higher than that. It's silly to make that distinction. If a freeway is constructed to interstate standards, why not use the same limit as on interstates?

Indeed, even Ohio, which I thought used to be way more conservative than Indiana as far as speed limits, now allows 70 on non-Interstate freeways that are Interstate-standard (and even on some portions that don't quite seem to be--cough, cough US 30 Bucyrus bypass cough, cough).  I find it very dissonant that Indiana now is more conservative than Ohio on speed limits overall; there are many compatible roads that are 60 in Indiana that are 65 in Ohio, as well as 65 and 70 respectively.  Never used to be that way.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on November 18, 2013, 03:01:43 PM
The new land route of US 31 around Kokomo just met its first tornado yesterday just south of the IN 22 / US 35 interchange. Debris all over that area. Some signage was damaged on 22 / 36.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on November 18, 2013, 03:51:35 PM
Quote from: monty on November 18, 2013, 03:01:43 PM
The new land route of US 31 around Kokomo just met its first tornado yesterday just south of the IN 22 / US 35 interchange. Debris all over that area. Some signage was damaged on 22 / 36.

When I heard that a tornado had hit Kokomo, my first thought was, "I hope it doesn't delay the US 31 opening" as opposed to "I hope nobody was killed or seriously injured."

I plead guilty to being a terrible person.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on November 18, 2013, 03:57:47 PM
Quote from: cabiness42 on November 18, 2013, 03:51:35 PM
Quote from: monty on November 18, 2013, 03:01:43 PM
The new land route of US 31 around Kokomo just met its first tornado yesterday just south of the IN 22 / US 35 interchange. Debris all over that area. Some signage was damaged on 22 / 36.

When I heard that a tornado had hit Kokomo, my first thought was, "I hope it doesn't delay the US 31 opening" as opposed to "I hope nobody was killed or seriously injured."

I plead guilty to being a terrible person.

Hey no one died (in Kokomo), so that's great! 
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: tdindy88 on November 18, 2013, 07:18:08 PM
Quote from: cabiness42 on November 18, 2013, 03:51:35 PM
I plead guilty to being a terrible person.

You're not the only one. I'm wondering if those highway signs, you know the ones that people here have bitched about with the unneeded space on the SR 22 line, got destroyed. Perhaps a redo? In all seriousness thought I am glad to here everyone is okay up there.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: roadman65 on November 18, 2013, 07:48:33 PM
Quote from: theline on November 17, 2013, 10:27:29 PM
So far 65 is the highest limit for freeways that are non-interstates, like the St. Joseph Valley Parkway, part of which is also US 31. I doubt they go higher than that. It's silly to make that distinction. If a freeway is constructed to interstate standards, why not use the same limit as on interstates?

The new US 31 construction from Plymouth to South Bend is using similar walls. I think they dress up the road.
Michigan for US 31 is up to 70 for the cars, but 65 for trucks.  Here in Florida we have the FL Turnpike and FL 528, both that are not interstates, but have a 70 maximum for ALL vehicles.

Those walls are cool as on NJ 18 and many other NJ Roads, even NY State has them, and they do dress up the road I will admit.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: JREwing78 on November 18, 2013, 09:05:38 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on November 18, 2013, 07:48:33 PM
Quote from: theline on November 17, 2013, 10:27:29 PM
So far 65 is the highest limit for freeways that are non-interstates, like the St. Joseph Valley Parkway, part of which is also US 31. I doubt they go higher than that. It's silly to make that distinction. If a freeway is constructed to interstate standards, why not use the same limit as on interstates?

The new US 31 construction from Plymouth to South Bend is using similar walls. I think they dress up the road.
Michigan for US 31 is up to 70 for the cars, but 65 for trucks.

Huh? Since when? Last I checked, the standard freeway speed limits in Michigan were 70 for cars, 60 for trucks.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: roadman65 on November 19, 2013, 09:25:23 AM
Quote from: JREwing78 on November 18, 2013, 09:05:38 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on November 18, 2013, 07:48:33 PM
Quote from: theline on November 17, 2013, 10:27:29 PM
So far 65 is the highest limit for freeways that are non-interstates, like the St. Joseph Valley Parkway, part of which is also US 31. I doubt they go higher than that. It's silly to make that distinction. If a freeway is constructed to interstate standards, why not use the same limit as on interstates?

The new US 31 construction from Plymouth to South Bend is using similar walls. I think they dress up the road.
Michigan for US 31 is up to 70 for the cars, but 65 for trucks.

Huh? Since when? Last I checked, the standard freeway speed limits in Michigan were 70 for cars, 60 for trucks.
Maybe it was, I will have to check my photos.  I do have one of the first speed limit assembly in Michigan on NB US 31, and have not looked at it in a while.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: theline on November 20, 2013, 11:15:44 PM
I'll save you the trouble, roadman. It's 60 for trucks. Here's the first sign north of the border, from GSV:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi40.tinypic.com%2F2s1q2rd.png&hash=a0cd8dc31e2377f9d0f56d8c2dc7a5b7115b1b3c)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: JREwing78 on November 21, 2013, 06:14:19 AM
There have been discussions about raising freeway speed limits in Michigan, but so far (as I've read, anyway), they haven't made it out of the legislature.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: JREwing78 on November 21, 2013, 06:38:52 AM
Quote from: PurdueBill on November 18, 2013, 12:50:37 AM
Indeed, even Ohio, which I thought used to be way more conservative than Indiana as far as speed limits, now allows 70 on non-Interstate freeways that are Interstate-standard (and even on some portions that don't quite seem to be--cough, cough US 30 Bucyrus bypass cough, cough).

Out of curiosity, what is substandard about that stretch of US-30? The short-spaced interchanges?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: roadman65 on November 21, 2013, 06:51:00 AM
Quote from: JREwing78 on November 21, 2013, 06:14:19 AM
There have been discussions about raising freeway speed limits in Michigan, but so far (as I've read, anyway), they haven't made it out of the legislature.
Its funny, as nearby I-80/ I-90 has it 65 for trucks with the regular speed limit for cars at 70. 

Then again, did not Michigan raise the off freeway speed limits that were always 55?  I do remember vaguely someone here mentioning that the speed limit on US 127 north of St. Johns was raised from the 55 mph I experienced back in 08 to something higher, so anything is possible.

Anyway, enough of this as we're supposed to be talking about US 31 in Kokomo.  Anything else we should move to a new thread or one that covers this area.  I am happy to discuss and not at all  trying to weasel out, but lets do it right and try to keep it on the level.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ysuindy on November 21, 2013, 09:46:51 AM
The ribbon cutting will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday November 26

https://twitter.com/INDOT_ECentral/status/403532349737934848/photo/1

Looks like Saturday's trip to and from Notre Dame will be my last must go through Kokomo trip. 

Heading up about five hours after the ribbon cutting on Tuesday to pick up my son for Thanksgiving.  Going to need to leave downtown Indy early enough to get through the new bypass in daylight.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: vtk on November 21, 2013, 11:25:41 AM
Quote from: JREwing78 on November 21, 2013, 06:38:52 AM
Quote from: PurdueBill on November 18, 2013, 12:50:37 AM
Indeed, even Ohio, which I thought used to be way more conservative than Indiana as far as speed limits, now allows 70 on non-Interstate freeways that are Interstate-standard (and even on some portions that don't quite seem to be--cough, cough US 30 Bucyrus bypass cough, cough).

Out of curiosity, what is substandard about that stretch of US-30? The short-spaced interchanges?

AFAIK the Bucyrus Bypass is fine, as is the newer stretch between there and Mansfield.  The section in Mansfield, on the other hand, is very substandard.  Its closely-spaced interchanges with very tightly-curved ramps and narrow shoulders is exemplary of early-60s urban freeway design.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on November 21, 2013, 02:48:50 PM
Quote from: ysuindy on November 21, 2013, 09:46:51 AM
The ribbon cutting will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday November 26

https://twitter.com/INDOT_ECentral/status/403532349737934848/photo/1

Looks like Saturday's trip to and from Notre Dame will be my last must go through Kokomo trip. 

Heading up about five hours after the ribbon cutting on Tuesday to pick up my son for Thanksgiving.  Going to need to leave downtown Indy early enough to get through the new bypass in daylight.

My first pass will be northbound on Wednesday, likely after dark.  Return trip either Saturday or Sunday during daylight will be my first good look at the road. 
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: theline on November 22, 2013, 09:42:56 PM
My daughter will be on the bypass on the first day, though probably after dark, as she returns home for the holiday. I warned her to make any necessary pit stops in Westfield, to avoid having to detour off the new road.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: PurdueBill on November 24, 2013, 10:52:38 PM
Quote from: JREwing78 on November 21, 2013, 06:38:52 AM
Quote from: PurdueBill on November 18, 2013, 12:50:37 AM
Indeed, even Ohio, which I thought used to be way more conservative than Indiana as far as speed limits, now allows 70 on non-Interstate freeways that are Interstate-standard (and even on some portions that don't quite seem to be--cough, cough US 30 Bucyrus bypass cough, cough).

Out of curiosity, what is substandard about that stretch of US-30? The short-spaced interchanges?

There are a couple bridges that look/feel narrow, especially the left shoulders, that are probably up to official specs or grandfathered in but still feel narrow somehow compared to the more modern bridges on the sections of US 30 more recently completed to the east and west.  It's probably just an illusion but still feels that way somehow.  Just this evening I was driving through there and felt the same way somehow.  (At least the work is done eastbound near one bridge where they were running only one lane for a while, with barriers squeezing things pretty tight for the open lane, but with no official reduction in speed limit--sorta unusual.)

I recall that the Bucyrus bypass was posted for 55 when not connected to freeways at either end; guess it was too short to bother with a higher limit? It's since gone to 65/55 and now 70 with no changes physically.  Shows how artificial the limits can be sometimes....
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on November 25, 2013, 04:40:37 PM
It appears that the new Kokomo route will be open after noon tomorrow with the ribbon cutting being bumped to 12:00 noon.   :clap:  Crews are doing a lot of cleaning up from the tornado and construction in preparation.  Nice write-up in today's Indy Star about progress on US 31 from Indy to South Bend.  Northern segment to be completed by this time next year.  Hamilton County segment and Tipton interchange to open by late 2015.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ysuindy on November 25, 2013, 10:14:38 PM
Here is a link to the Indy Star article

http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2013/11/24/kokomo-us-31-bypass-should-cut-commutes/3694809/

I did not know the existing bypass was originally a two lane bypass.

First traffic lights were installed in 1976.

I will be leaving Indy around 3;00 p.m. Tuesday heading to South Bend.  Looking forward to driving the new bypass on the way up.  t will be my 7th round trip to South Bend since the start of October.  With 3 more before mid-January.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on November 26, 2013, 12:32:59 PM
The ribbon has been cut. About to take a drive on the new US 31 around Kokomo. Speed limit is 65. News helicopters and vans are in abundance.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on November 26, 2013, 04:17:22 PM
just drove it, great road.  they still have a lot of signs to place though
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: theline on November 26, 2013, 05:27:48 PM
Here's the story from WSBT-TV in South Bend: http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/new-31-bypass-opens/-/21046398/23167122/-/l654rv/-/index.html (http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/new-31-bypass-opens/-/21046398/23167122/-/l654rv/-/index.html)

The text is almost a transcript of what the reporter said on-air. The exception is hilarious. The line that reads
QuoteWhen it's all done, two years from now, the state says it should take about 30 minutes off your drive from South Bend to Indy.
was read as
QuoteWhen it's all done, two years from now, the state says it should take about 30 minutes from South Bend to Indy.

If you average about 300 MPH, that is.  :-D
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on November 26, 2013, 08:34:24 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31--Boulevard-2013-3.jpg&hash=d708d1b325c4acf808a1281de70dec1cd1258a77)
Northbound at CR 100S/E. Boulevard

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31--ToubyPike-2013-4.jpg&hash=6cbbde0e23e3cc39602e33f2ad508bf15efb82ac)
Northbound at Touby Pike

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31--SR26-2013-3.jpg&hash=a5b329fba16da3a229b8c97a9cbe2e5fe5de3c59)
Northbound at SR 26

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhighwayexplorer.com%2FPhotos%2FTemp%2FUS31--SR931N-2013-4.jpg&hash=aae05d422839367e80cb4a2ee7745f9b34e81829)
Southbound at SR 931 north terminus
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ysuindy on November 26, 2013, 10:34:31 PM
Just got home awhile ago from my round trip to South Bend.

Went through Northbound around 4:00 p.m.  Saw an unmarked police car pulling over a motorist heading southbound while our northbound group of vehicles was moving in the high 70's.  Of course the new road threw my navigation  system for a loop.  When we reconnected with the old road at the north end, my ETA in South Bend was 8 minutes earlier.

Came through around 9:00 p.m. southbound.  It was interesting to look to the West and see the various lights from Kokomo.

Nice to avoid the stoplights in Kokomo.  Definitely a more relaxing drive.  Overall the route was boring as all heck - just cutting through a bunch of now barren farmland.

Stopped at the truck stop on 31 just north of 24 while I was headed north.  It was packed.   I realized that this was just the second fast food type place  north of Westfield.  It seems to me there is an opportunity for someone who puts in a fast food facility somewhere in between.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on November 27, 2013, 07:48:27 AM
With Pence talking about converting the rest of 31 to limited-access, I wouldn't think very many businesses are going to build on 31.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: vtk on November 27, 2013, 08:40:20 AM
Quote from: cabiness42 on November 27, 2013, 07:48:27 AM
With Pence talking about converting the rest of 31 to limited-access, I wouldn't think very many businesses are going to build on 31.

They could always build on the crossroads at interchanges (subject to local zoning boards, but they usually don't try hard to stop food/gas/lodging from popping up).
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mobilene on November 27, 2013, 12:59:50 PM
Looking forward to driving this tomorrow as I head north from Indianapolis to my hometown of South Bend for the holiday.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: roadman65 on November 27, 2013, 01:51:07 PM
I honestly think that we as a people should accept the fact that all the businesses needed are on the old road and when needing a specific service just STAY ON IT!  It should be this a freeway bypass should be a bypass and nothing other!  If you are hungry, sleepy, or need gas, then use the local road.

I know this is not going to happen as sooner or later hotels and fast food, along with newer strip malls will appear at the US 31 freeway interchanges.  The only thing they fixed that was learned from building the 1952 bypass that eventually failedwas that signals cannot be added to this here bypass because of the freeway ruling.  Unlike before where developers later built along the uncharted land around the bypass of then, that caused this first through route to become urbanized, at least the signals will not be placed that is part of the interruption of flow of US 31 over the years.

However, the laws that temporarily will stop building of the interchange areas will someday be forgotten just as our government forgot what rising fuel prices did in the 70's where we took measures to protect ourselves then and for years to come.  However we all know that these measures were broken later on because of the short memories, it will happen in 10 or 15 years here.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: tdindy88 on November 27, 2013, 08:49:13 PM
Traveled the new highway today and saw a couple of observations that hadn't been noticed yet. First, I traveled on what is now SR 22 west from the new bypass to the old US 31 and saw all the US 31 & 35 signage was still there with no SR 931 signs at all. Another one involved the local chamber of commerce in Kokomo. I collect maps from the different chambers across the state (since it is hard to obtain a good county map otherwise) and found out that the Kokomo Chamber already has a new map with the new bypass marked on it. It is a VERY new map. Of note, SR 931 isn't mentioned on the map with the bypass only refered to as Reed Road. Not much love for 931 so far it seems.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on November 27, 2013, 08:53:18 PM
Some notes on the new US 31 bypass:
- No enhanced reference markers exist on the freeway. The old ones from current SR 931 were yanked up and are sitting where the new highway signs were stored.
- The two signs destroyed in the recent tornado are laying on the ground at the same location where these reference markers are
- No services signs exist (either symbols or logos)
- There are no signs displaying the names of the streets going over/under the highway
- There is no lighting at all - even at SR 22/US 35 and the two SR 931 interchanges
- The bridges over the two rivers are named in honor of two people, but the names of the waterways are not posted (Wildcat Creek and Kokomo Creek)
- I didn't see any mileage signs
- Some, but very few SR 931 markers are up on the original bypass
- Toward the south end are two cameras - I am not sure what they are for

I thought I read only 30% of the traffic would be expected to move to the new road (i.e. 70% was local traffic). It is difficult to judge on a holiday weekend, but it looks like it is more than that.

As for services along the new road, if Kokomo won't allow them, the demand will drive them to be built in adjoining counties. Visibility from the road drives business, and people want convenience. Most businesses on SR 931 are very inconvenient to thru US 31 travelers. Only a few are marginally convenient (mainly, those on SR 22).

The new highway also showed up on Google Maps tonight. Almost all exit ramps are missing, it is not (mostly) in the yellow-orange color denoting freeways, and the northern interchange is marked incorrectly. It looks like SR 931 would be a left exit, but it is not. The small section of new US 35 just east of SR 931 is still missing. The new connector road from CR 400N to CR 50E is not shown and CR 450N is shown as connecting to SR 931, but that is actually a dead-end now. That used to be a four lane road.

The most amazing mistake is that they removed the new route of Touby Pike over US 31 a few days ago after showing it correctly for months. This road was opened a year ago, but now it incorrectly shows the way it was in 2012 and before. I have given up on MapMaker as they routinely deny accurate changes.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on November 28, 2013, 08:01:26 AM
It was dark when I went through last night, but man was it nice to have 15 fewer stoplights.  Was doing 80 and got lucky that the cop picked one of the others also doing 80 to pull over.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: roadman65 on November 28, 2013, 08:49:18 AM
Boy another thing I am missing!  This year has been a tough one for me financially so I have no extra to spend on road trips, but cannot wait to get back on track as this and I-49 in LA and MO are the first on my list of roads to clinch.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mgk920 on November 28, 2013, 10:12:10 AM
Quote from: ysuindy on November 26, 2013, 10:34:31 PM
Just got home awhile ago from my round trip to South Bend.

[snippage]

Nice to avoid the stoplights in Kokomo.  Definitely a more relaxing drive.  Overall the route was boring as all heck - just cutting through a bunch of now barren farmland.

Stopped at the truck stop on 31 just north of 24 while I was headed north.  It was packed.   I realized that this was just the second fast food type place  north of Westfield.  It seems to me there is an opportunity for someone who puts in a fast food facility somewhere in between.

Didn't the City of Kokomo annex a boatload of land between their existing urbanized area and the new US 31 freeway within the past couple of years just for that purpose (facilitate and control the expected development along the new bypass)?

:hmmm:

Mike
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on November 28, 2013, 10:23:39 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on November 28, 2013, 08:49:18 AM
Boy another thing I am missing!  This year has been a tough one for me financially so I have no extra to spend on road trips, but cannot wait to get back on track as this and I-49 in LA and MO are the first on my list of roads to clinch.

You could hit a lot of new roads if you came up: the I-69 projects especially if you haven't been on that road, the three US 31 projects in Hamilton County, Kokomo, and South Bend, SR 25 Hoosier Heartland, and others. Some are open now, some will open in 2014, and some are under construction. Probably over 200 miles of new freeway or expressway to see in total if you include openings from 2012 to 2015.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on November 28, 2013, 10:33:06 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on November 28, 2013, 10:12:10 AM
Quote from: ysuindy on November 26, 2013, 10:34:31 PM
Just got home awhile ago from my round trip to South Bend.

[snippage]

Nice to avoid the stoplights in Kokomo.  Definitely a more relaxing drive.  Overall the route was boring as all heck - just cutting through a bunch of now barren farmland.

Stopped at the truck stop on 31 just north of 24 while I was headed north.  It was packed.   I realized that this was just the second fast food type place  north of Westfield.  It seems to me there is an opportunity for someone who puts in a fast food facility somewhere in between.

Didn't the City of Kokomo annex a boatload of land between their existing urbanized area and the new US 31 freeway within the past couple of years just for that purpose (facilitate and control the expected development along the new bypass)?

:hmmm:

Mike

It was more to protect existing businesses and control growth (secondarily). Smart planning is good, but ignoring the law of supply and demand is foolish. If the plan is to make sure a huge truck stop or lead smelter is not built in prime real estate, for example, I am for it, but if they want to see no services for travelers, that would be bad. We'll see if any projects get approved by the city in the next year.

I think Bloomington, Illinois has a similar situation: an older bypass with a lot of businesses that was subsequently bypassed by a freeway.

The highway is only a mile  away from large stores like Meijer (on SR 22) so it is not as desolate as it looks. Within 1.5 miles are gas stations and restaurants as well. Without any signing for services, people unfamiliar with the area would never know.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: roadman65 on November 28, 2013, 12:06:50 PM
The SR 22 and SR 931 intersection is loaded with fast food, Target, Walmart, Sams, and gas.  Like you said it is not that far.  Signs would be needed at both SR 22 and 931 at both ends.  If the DOT would facilitate a way to inform motorists that all services are on SR 931 approaching the bypass at either end it would be fine.

Also TO US 31 shields should be placed at the SR 22/931 intersection as well as the other roads which will let through travelers know that the US 31 bypass can be accessed at regular intervals.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: theline on November 28, 2013, 10:10:43 PM
Quote from: mukade on November 27, 2013, 08:53:18 PM
Some notes on the new US 31 bypass:
- No enhanced reference markers exist on the freeway. The old ones from current SR 931 were yanked up and are sitting where the new highway signs were stored.
- The two signs destroyed in the recent tornado are laying on the ground at the same location where these reference markers are
- No services signs exist (either symbols or logos)
- There are no signs displaying the names of the streets going over/under the highway
- There is no lighting at all - even at SR 22/US 35 and the two SR 931 interchanges
- The bridges over the two rivers are named in honor of two people, but the names of the waterways are not posted (Wildcat Creek and Kokomo Creek)
- I didn't see any mileage signs
- Some, but very few SR 931 markers are up on the original bypass
- Toward the south end are two cameras - I am not sure what they are for

I thought I read only 30% of the traffic would be expected to move to the new road (i.e. 70% was local traffic). It is difficult to judge on a holiday weekend, but it looks like it is more than that.

As for services along the new road, if Kokomo won't allow them, the demand will drive them to be built in adjoining counties. Visibility from the road drives business, and people want convenience. Most businesses on SR 931 are very inconvenient to thru US 31 travelers. Only a few are marginally convenient (mainly, those on SR 22).

The new highway also showed up on Google Maps tonight. Almost all exit ramps are missing, it is not (mostly) in the yellow-orange color denoting freeways, and the northern interchange is marked incorrectly. It looks like SR 931 would be a left exit, but it is not. The small section of new US 35 just east of SR 931 is still missing. The new connector road from CR 400N to CR 50E is not shown and CR 450N is shown as connecting to SR 931, but that is actually a dead-end now. That used to be a four lane road.

The most amazing mistake is that they removed the new route of Touby Pike over US 31 a few days ago after showing it correctly for months. This road was opened a year ago, but now it incorrectly shows the way it was in 2012 and before. I have given up on MapMaker as they routinely deny accurate changes.

I'm wondering if this opening is being handled like the I-69 opening last fall, opening the road when there is just enough built to make the road viable and revisiting the project next construction season to finish up. Though I've not been on I-69 yet, I recall some reporting that some of the details, like missing signs and lighting of the Washington exit, are being tidied up later.

My daughter was on the new 31 bypass after dark on opening day and she bemoaned the lack of lighting. We can hope that will be addressed.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on November 28, 2013, 10:31:13 PM
Quote from: theline on November 28, 2013, 10:10:43 PM
Quote from: mukade on November 27, 2013, 08:53:18 PM
Some notes on the new US 31 bypass:
- No enhanced reference markers exist on the freeway. The old ones from current SR 931 were yanked up and are sitting where the new highway signs were stored.
- The two signs destroyed in the recent tornado are laying on the ground at the same location where these reference markers are
- No services signs exist (either symbols or logos)
- There are no signs displaying the names of the streets going over/under the highway
- There is no lighting at all - even at SR 22/US 35 and the two SR 931 interchanges
- The bridges over the two rivers are named in honor of two people, but the names of the waterways are not posted (Wildcat Creek and Kokomo Creek)
- I didn't see any mileage signs
- Some, but very few SR 931 markers are up on the original bypass
- Toward the south end are two cameras - I am not sure what they are for

I thought I read only 30% of the traffic would be expected to move to the new road (i.e. 70% was local traffic). It is difficult to judge on a holiday weekend, but it looks like it is more than that.

As for services along the new road, if Kokomo won't allow them, the demand will drive them to be built in adjoining counties. Visibility from the road drives business, and people want convenience. Most businesses on SR 931 are very inconvenient to thru US 31 travelers. Only a few are marginally convenient (mainly, those on SR 22).

The new highway also showed up on Google Maps tonight. Almost all exit ramps are missing, it is not (mostly) in the yellow-orange color denoting freeways, and the northern interchange is marked incorrectly. It looks like SR 931 would be a left exit, but it is not. The small section of new US 35 just east of SR 931 is still missing. The new connector road from CR 400N to CR 50E is not shown and CR 450N is shown as connecting to SR 931, but that is actually a dead-end now. That used to be a four lane road.

The most amazing mistake is that they removed the new route of Touby Pike over US 31 a few days ago after showing it correctly for months. This road was opened a year ago, but now it incorrectly shows the way it was in 2012 and before. I have given up on MapMaker as they routinely deny accurate changes.

I'm wondering if this opening is being handled like the I-69 opening last fall, opening the road when there is just enough built to make the road viable and revisiting the project next construction season to finish up. Though I've not been on I-69 yet, I recall some reporting that some of the details, like missing signs and lighting of the Washington exit, are being tidied up later.

My daughter was on the new 31 bypass after dark on opening day and she bemoaned the lack of lighting. We can hope that will be addressed.

I think that's what will happen, SR 25 has the same problems
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: roadman65 on November 28, 2013, 10:33:31 PM
Quote from: mukade on November 28, 2013, 10:23:39 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on November 28, 2013, 08:49:18 AM
Boy another thing I am missing!  This year has been a tough one for me financially so I have no extra to spend on road trips, but cannot wait to get back on track as this and I-49 in LA and MO are the first on my list of roads to clinch.

You could hit a lot of new roads if you came up: the I-69 projects especially if you haven't been on that road, the three US 31 projects in Hamilton County, Kokomo, and South Bend, SR 25 Hoosier Heartland, and others. Some are open now, some will open in 2014, and some are under construction. Probably over 200 miles of new freeway or expressway to see in total if you include openings from 2012 to 2015.
Yeah, thanks for the info.  I did not think of that.  I totally forgot the I-69 projects!  Maybe it is a blessing if I wait till next year as I can cover all of these in one shot.

I could do a drive from Florida up I-75 to Chatannooga, and west on I-24 through Nashville into Kentucky.  Then I could travel the US 41 corridor (and its toll roads nearby) to reach I-69 (as I never been in that part of KY and SW IN either) then up to Indy.  I could make Kokomo my lodging stop for night two.  This way I have a base to operate out of and cover more Howard County roads including clinching both directions of US 31 old and new!

Thanks, I think I will wait now for sure.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on November 28, 2013, 10:42:24 PM
I believe there are plans for more signage directing the new freeway travelers to services and destinations of interest in Kokomo. There have been a bunch of sign bases installed along 931.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: tdindy88 on November 28, 2013, 11:32:30 PM
At least SR 25 has mileage signs, all that seems to be missing is county line and overpasses. As for the enhanced mile markers, that part isn't concerning to me, Kokomo isn't a large metropolitan area. Indy, NW Indiana, Fort Wayne and Evansville utilizes that style of mile marker but they are the big metros of the state. It always struck me as curious about their usage on the old US 31 in Kokomo. If we use them there, why not I-65 around Lafayette, I-70 and US 41 in Terre Haute, US 20/31 in South Bend or SR 37 in Bloomington?

One further observation from the highway, I noticed that the US 31 overpass over the railroad to the north of the US 35/SR 22 exit had fencing along the edges. I've seen plenty of these bridges over highways in the past, but never on the highway over a railroad. Any reason as to why?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on November 29, 2013, 08:12:48 AM
I agree that Kokomo does not need these enhanced mile markers more than other these other larger cities, but two points: 1) it had them before on the old US 31, and does not have them on the new highway and 2) they are in all the metro areas you listed, but they are also used in Clarksville, New Albany, and Jeffersonville, BTW. I believe the I-69 ones go well beyond Indy to at least Anderson. On I-65, I think they go up to Lebanon. On the ITR, the INDOT ones go from Elkhart to the Illinois line, I believe. Off-topic, but the new ones put up by the ITR have a green background instead of the standard INDOT blue. The new US 24 Fort to Port in Ohio has them extending to Napoleon. Anyway, they aren't limited to big metro areas. The idea behind these signs is allow the motorist to pinpoint their location if they have trouble so I would suggest liberal use of these.

To make clear for those who not have seen the new US 31 freeway, it does have the standard INDOT green .5 mile markers used on all freeways.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: tdindy88 on November 29, 2013, 01:17:59 PM
Forgot about the Louisville suburbs of Indiana. As for Anderson and Lebanon, those are extensions of the Indianapolis metro area really, especially since Anderson is part of the Indy MSA, again. But there's no point to nitpick any of this. There is one question thought that I have for anyone familiar with this project. Why an interchange at Boulevard and Touby Pike? I suspect there's an industrial reason for them, but I wanted to know. Why those two roads over say Sycamore, Lincoln (extended eastward to the bypass) or Southway?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on November 29, 2013, 01:48:47 PM
INDOT wanted a Boulevard interchange, and Kokomo wanted an additional one at Touby Pike. INDOT responded with "you can have one or the other, but not both". The timing was such that Mitch Daniels wanted everyone to be happy, and so he overruled INDOT. That was at the time that people were very skeptical on Major Moves - a year or two later, and things would have been different.

I never heard discussions of Lincoln Road, Sycamore, or CR 200S interchanges.

Remember, the original INDOT study in the 1990s suggested the old bypass be upgraded, but Kokomo business people did not want so many businesses to have to be torn down. INDOT relented and did another study. Eventually, the current route (a modified/hybrid version of the six proposals) was selected, and then Kokomo businesses and city leaders didn't like the fact that businesses may migrate from SR 931. Sometimes, you just can't win.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on December 04, 2013, 07:06:30 AM
Quick update:
- Google Maps is now pretty accurate except US 31 shields also appear on SR 931 and the freeway is not in the proper yellow-orange color.
- SR 931 signs are steadily going up along old US 31. I assume that will be done this week.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on December 23, 2013, 08:50:26 PM
Is there a chance they pull the traffic light at division road after they finish the sr 28 interchange?  Or build an overpass?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on December 24, 2013, 07:51:09 AM
I haven't heard of any specific plans for Division Road. 
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: Buck87 on December 26, 2013, 10:49:34 PM
Quote from: mukade on December 04, 2013, 07:06:30 AM
Quick update:
- Google Maps is now pretty accurate except US 31 shields also appear on SR 931 and the freeway is not in the proper yellow-orange color.

I was looking at this new bypass on Google today and noticed that a half mile section of it between E. Center Rd and Kokomo Creek is missing from the map. However, when I tested to see how it would route directions, it correctly acted as if that section exists.

Was it like that before? Any one else seeing this?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on December 27, 2013, 09:04:06 PM
Quote from: Buck87 on December 26, 2013, 10:49:34 PM
Quote from: mukade on December 04, 2013, 07:06:30 AM
Quick update:
- Google Maps is now pretty accurate except US 31 shields also appear on SR 931 and the freeway is not in the proper yellow-orange color.

I was looking at this new bypass on Google today and noticed that a half mile section of it between E. Center Rd and Kokomo Creek is missing from the map. However, when I tested to see how it would route directions, it correctly acted as if that section exists.

Was it like that before? Any one else seeing this?

it started a few weeks ago i don't know how to fix it.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on December 28, 2013, 11:18:55 PM
Quote from: cabiness42 on December 24, 2013, 07:51:09 AM
I haven't heard of any specific plans for Division Road. 
There are no current formal plans for Division Road. Tipton County officials would like to have an interchange installed there. The Thouroughfare Plan calls for an interchange.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ysuindy on February 10, 2014, 12:20:37 PM
I spent much of the weekend in South Bend.  I left Indy around 8:00 a.m. Saturday and beat the snow to South Bend.

We left South Bend a bit after 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon.  The snow had stopped there around 8:00 a.m. and by the time we left US 31 was mostly wet, with some slushy spots in shady areas, but only in the areas between the tires.

We reached the Kokomo bypass somewhere around 4:00 p.m.  I wasn't sure when the snow stopped in Kokomo Sunday, but I believe it was no later than 11:00 a.m. or so.  31 north of Kokomo was fine, so I just stayed on the bypass.  Road conditions changed dramatically - for the worse.  For the most part, both lanes were at lease partially snow covered, many were fully snow covered especially the left lane.  The entrance and exit ramps were completely snow covered and, at a quick glance, appears to have been barely plowed.  As soon as we got off the bypass south of Kokomo, other than one brief stretch of about 100 yards of slush in Tipton County, roads were clear all the way back to Westfield.

At first I was surprised to see how bad the bypass was compared to what I had seen between South Bend and Kokomo.  I then realized how much less traffic was on the bypass than was on 31.  There was much less traffic.  With temperatures in the upper teens, the roads still needed traffic to help clear them even with the abundant sunshine.

I wonder when the first traffic counts for the 31 bypass and 931 will be available and how they will compare to the pre-Bypass traffic counts. 
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on February 14, 2014, 02:34:59 PM
Pre-construction traffic estimates indicated that there would be about 14,000 vehicles on the new US 31 alignment around Kokomo.  Local traffic was (and still is) a large user of the IN 931 corridor.  Counts in mid and southern sections approached 45,000 in places before the new construction.  From my observation, I'd guess that the 14,000 number isn't far off.  It's obvious that the truck traffic on 931 has been greatly reduced. 

I don't care to call the new alignment a "bypass" even though it traverses around the east side of Kokomo avoiding 13 traffic signals.  It's really just a newly aligned interstate style highway in a semi-rural area.  Locals seem really confused as to what to call it because old 31 has always been "the bypass."  Many locals did not understand why the new route wasn't named "US 931" thinking that the "9" digit indicated bypass.  This was a broad misconception that was further enhanced by newspaper errors and quotes of a couple of officials.  I hear some calling the new alignment "the interstate" which to me makes more sense even though it is not an interstate shielded route.  There are still some who believe it will get built out on like the old alignment did, although surely now after they drive on it they will understand that is not an option in the design.

There is still a local discussion regarding the status of IN 931.  Seems the city and INDOT can't come to an agreement.  It appears the city would like to make the segment a local street but there is a "great gulf"  between what the city feels it needs to receive in support from INDOT and what INDOT wants to pay, so look for it to remain 931 for a while. The city hasn't been happy with INDOT's maintainance, especially mowing and snow plowing as of late.

There is very little actual use of the new alignment by local traffic other than those getting on to make serious travel to the north and south. Very few locals hop on and hop off the highway.  Those that do tend to live SE & NE of the new construction end points.  It's a beautiful road and the safety aspect of removing the through truck traffic off 931 should show up in reduced accident reports.  It's a breeze to travel.  The economic activity along US 31 should also be boosted.  I am eager to see the entire corridor from Indy to South Bend upgraded to this level. 
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on June 01, 2014, 06:41:33 PM
After six months of the US 31 Kokomo bypass being open, I would say traffic volume is increasing. Just based on observations,  it certainly seems new US 31 volume exceeds SR 931 at the north section.  I know it was said reported before the new bypass was built, that 80% of the then existing US 31 traffic through Kokomo was local. I suspect that some people have been interpreted that to mean the new highway would carry 20-25% of the SR 931 traffic volume, but many "local" people take the new bypass. So you know SR 931 will not be able to support every establishment there with so much traffic lost. You wonder how the fast food restaurants up on the north side (especially) will be able to make it.

It will be interesting how long Kokomo's counter-intuitive building moratorium holds out. Based on the law of supply and demand and with all the difficult access to (or tearing down of) establishments in Hamilton County and the new Kokomo bypass, there should be a big now be a large demand for new restaurants, motels, and gas stations. Kokomo's strategy is to prevent growth, however. They even bought a private sewage treatment plant in Tipton County so as to ensure nothing can be built immediately south of Kokomo.

Because there is such a demand, perhaps some more shrewd people in Tipton, Grissom, or Peru can take advantage of the situation and encourage development (especially at the soon-to-be-built US 31 / SR 28 interchange).

The following article discusses more about loss of business on the south side (SR 931 at SR 26).

WSBT FACT FINDER Special Report: Is the US 31 Bypass bad for business? (http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/fact-finder-special-report-is-the-us-31-bypass-bad-for-business/25982292)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: vtk on June 01, 2014, 11:47:57 PM
Local traffic shifting to the new road isn't going to hurt businesses on the old road.  The locals still know those businesses are there, and they'll go there when they want to patronize those businesses.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: Avalanchez71 on June 02, 2014, 12:49:26 AM
So what is going on on OLD OLD 31?  is it a ghost town?  Is this now a quick route?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: tdindy88 on June 02, 2014, 01:17:35 AM
If you mean Washington Street, it seems just fine as a local street through town. Kokomo isn't exactly a dying town these days. I was downtown last year after the new bypass was built and there have been some efforts to improve the center of the city and now they are apparently going to build a small baseball stadium there. SR 931 has less traffic but is far from dead. I see that road developing like a Scatterfield (SR 9 in Anderson) or McGalliard (Muncie) as a commercial corridor that serves that community but isn't much of a through route. These two towns are arguably doing a little worse than Kokomo is and their "strips" are still doing pretty decent.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on June 02, 2014, 05:48:36 AM
Quote from: vtk on June 01, 2014, 11:47:57 PM
Local traffic shifting to the new road isn't going to hurt businesses on the old road.  The locals still know those businesses are there, and they'll go there when they want to patronize those businesses.

Remember, this is talking about restaurants and gas stations so it means that they have alternatives. The two businesses referenced on the south side dropped 15-25%, and there is less to draw people up north.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on June 02, 2014, 05:59:42 AM
Quote from: tdindy88 on June 02, 2014, 01:17:35 AM
If you mean Washington Street, it seems just fine as a local street through town. Kokomo isn't exactly a dying town these days. I was downtown last year after the new bypass was built and there have been some efforts to improve the center of the city and now they are apparently going to build a small baseball stadium there. SR 931 has less traffic but is far from dead. I see that road developing like a Scatterfield (SR 9 in Anderson) or McGalliard (Muncie) as a commercial corridor that serves that community but isn't much of a through route. These two towns are arguably doing a little worse than Kokomo is and their "strips" are still doing pretty decent.

The new road should have less impact on the stores on or near SR 931 in Kokomo. Getting to Kokomo will be easier, but it will also be easier for Kokomo people to shop in Hamilton County or Indy when the Hamilton County section is completed. The impact is on businesses catering to travelers (restaurants, gas stations, and hotels).

As for Washington Street strip, there are still a large number of business especially on the south side. I assume the new 31 should not affect their level of business.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on June 02, 2014, 07:42:39 AM
OK, this seemed like a throwaway line in the WSBT Kokomo story, but there's a quote here that seems to counter everything I've heard about the Hamilton County portion of the project:

"But there is still a lot of work to do around the Westfield area, Rea said, and 30 percent of the project still doesn't have money allocated, meaning it will be a few years before the project is all the way done."
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: trafficsignal on June 02, 2014, 10:19:19 AM
Quote from: cabiness42 on June 02, 2014, 07:42:39 AM
OK, this seemed like a throwaway line in the WSBT Kokomo story, but there's a quote here that seems to counter everything I've heard about the Hamilton County portion of the project:

"But there is still a lot of work to do around the Westfield area, Rea said, and 30 percent of the project still doesn't have money allocated, meaning it will be a few years before the project is all the way done."

All of the Hamilton County project has been sent to bid and successfully awarded, so I'm not sure that is what he's talking about.  Maybe he's talking about making 31 into a limited-access freeway between the Hamilton & Kokomo projects?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on June 02, 2014, 10:57:11 AM
Quote from: trafficsignal on June 02, 2014, 10:19:19 AM
Quote from: cabiness42 on June 02, 2014, 07:42:39 AM
OK, this seemed like a throwaway line in the WSBT Kokomo story, but there's a quote here that seems to counter everything I've heard about the Hamilton County portion of the project:

"But there is still a lot of work to do around the Westfield area, Rea said, and 30 percent of the project still doesn't have money allocated, meaning it will be a few years before the project is all the way done."

All of the Hamilton County project has been sent to bid and successfully awarded, so I'm not sure that is what he's talking about.  Maybe he's talking about making 31 into a limited-access freeway between the Hamilton & Kokomo projects?

OK, that makes more sense. 
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: Avalanchez71 on June 02, 2014, 03:15:02 PM
Is there anything left of the OLD OLD 31 that would indicate of what it once was?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on June 02, 2014, 06:01:15 PM
Quote from: trafficsignal on June 02, 2014, 10:19:19 AM
Quote from: cabiness42 on June 02, 2014, 07:42:39 AM
OK, this seemed like a throwaway line in the WSBT Kokomo story, but there's a quote here that seems to counter everything I've heard about the Hamilton County portion of the project:

"But there is still a lot of work to do around the Westfield area, Rea said, and 30 percent of the project still doesn't have money allocated, meaning it will be a few years before the project is all the way done."

All of the Hamilton County project has been sent to bid and successfully awarded, so I'm not sure that is what he's talking about.  Maybe he's talking about making 31 into a limited-access freeway between the Hamilton & Kokomo projects?

I was not sure what was meant, but the Hamilton County portion goes from I-465 to SR 38 leaving almost ten miles undone in Hamilton County alone. The remaining part of US 31 that has not been upgraded will cost way less per mile (especially north of US 24) than the sections done, but it will still cost quite a bit.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on June 02, 2014, 07:25:56 PM
I watched the video in the link, thank goodness the Kokomo mayor's idea didn't get implemented (take lights out and add some lanes), what an awful idea!!!
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ysuindy on June 02, 2014, 11:05:52 PM
Quote from: mukade on June 01, 2014, 06:41:33 PM
After six months of the US 31 Kokomo bypass being open, I would say traffic volume is increasing. Just based on observations,  it certainly seems new US 31 volume exceeds SR 931 at the north section.  I know it was said reported before the new bypass was built, that 80% of the then existing US 31 traffic through Kokomo was local. I suspect that some people have been interpreted that to mean the new highway would carry 20-25% of the SR 931 traffic volume, but many "local" people take the new bypass. So you know SR 931 will not be able to support every establishment there with so much traffic lost. You wonder how the fast food restaurants up on the north side (especially) will be able to make it.

It will be interesting how long Kokomo's counter-intuitive building moratorium holds out. Based on the law of supply and demand and with all the difficult access to (or tearing down of) establishments in Hamilton County and the new Kokomo bypass, there should be a big now be a large demand for new restaurants, motels, and gas stations. Kokomo's strategy is to prevent growth, however. They even bought a private sewage treatment plant in Tipton County so as to ensure nothing can be built immediately south of Kokomo.

Because there is such a demand, perhaps some more shrewd people in Tipton, Grissom, or Peru can take advantage of the situation and encourage development (especially at the soon-to-be-built US 31 / SR 28 interchange).

The following article discusses more about loss of business on the south side (SR 931 at SR 26).

WSBT FACT FINDER Special Report: Is the US 31 Bypass bad for business? (http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/fact-finder-special-report-is-the-us-31-bypass-bad-for-business/25982292)

I think I mentioned something similar shortly after it opened and 7 months later I still feel the same.  I typically hop on 31 at 38 headed northbound and other than the Burger King just north of 38, there is no food option until the truck stop just north of 24 in Peru. 

Somewhere just north of Kokomo (around Grissom as you said) would seem to be the sweet spot for at least a fast food / gas station combination. 



Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on June 03, 2014, 09:56:28 AM
Quote from: cabiness42 on June 02, 2014, 07:42:39 AM
OK, this seemed like a throwaway line in the WSBT Kokomo story, but there's a quote here that seems to counter everything I've heard about the Hamilton County portion of the project:

"But there is still a lot of work to do around the Westfield area, Rea said, and 30 percent of the project still doesn't have money allocated, meaning it will be a few years before the project is all the way done."

What Mr. Rae was inferring, is that there still needs to be new funding to complete the entire route from Indy to South Bend to an interstate standard...  Making improvements to what The US 31 Coalition calls the "gaps" in Hamilton, Tipton, Miami, Fulton and Marshall Counties that are not a part of the "big three" active projects. 

Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on June 03, 2014, 10:01:27 AM
Quote from: ysuindy on June 02, 2014, 11:05:52 PM
Quote from: mukade on June 01, 2014, 06:41:33 PM
After six months of the US 31 Kokomo bypass being open, I would say traffic volume is increasing. Just based on observations,  it certainly seems new US 31 volume exceeds SR 931 at the north section.  I know it was said reported before the new bypass was built, that 80% of the then existing US 31 traffic through Kokomo was local. I suspect that some people have been interpreted that to mean the new highway would carry 20-25% of the SR 931 traffic volume, but many "local" people take the new bypass. So you know SR 931 will not be able to support every establishment there with so much traffic lost. You wonder how the fast food restaurants up on the north side (especially) will be able to make it.

It will be interesting how long Kokomo's counter-intuitive building moratorium holds out. Based on the law of supply and demand and with all the difficult access to (or tearing down of) establishments in Hamilton County and the new Kokomo bypass, there should be a big now be a large demand for new restaurants, motels, and gas stations. Kokomo's strategy is to prevent growth, however. They even bought a private sewage treatment plant in Tipton County so as to ensure nothing can be built immediately south of Kokomo.

Because there is such a demand, perhaps some more shrewd people in Tipton, Grissom, or Peru can take advantage of the situation and encourage development (especially at the soon-to-be-built US 31 / SR 28 interchange).

The following article discusses more about loss of business on the south side (SR 931 at SR 26).

WSBT FACT FINDER Special Report: Is the US 31 Bypass bad for business? (http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/fact-finder-special-report-is-the-us-31-bypass-bad-for-business/25982292)

I think I mentioned something similar shortly after it opened and 7 months later I still feel the same.  I typically hop on 31 at 38 headed northbound and other than the Burger King just north of 38, there is no food option until the truck stop just north of 24 in Peru. 

Somewhere just north of Kokomo (around Grissom as you said) would seem to be the sweet spot for at least a fast food / gas station combination. 


It's not fast food, but there is a diner called Ugalde's at the corner of US 31 and CR 800 S.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on June 03, 2014, 10:21:59 AM
Quote from: mukade on June 02, 2014, 05:48:36 AM
Quote from: vtk on June 01, 2014, 11:47:57 PM
Local traffic shifting to the new road isn't going to hurt businesses on the old road.  The locals still know those businesses are there, and they'll go there when they want to patronize those businesses.

Remember, this is talking about restaurants and gas stations so it means that they have alternatives. The two businesses referenced on the south side dropped 15-25%, and there is less to draw people up north.

Some of the restaurants and gas stations that were dependent on the through traffic along IN 931 in Kokomo will suffer, although I doubt they'll fail.  Driving behaviors are being changed in the region.  Most retail will be okay.  They've had years to prepare for this moment. Kokomo traditionally draws a lot of retail business from the surrounding area and that isn't likely to change and it may even improve for a few as an improved US 31 will make it easier to get to Kokomo from the north.

While I am sympathetic to business concerns, the Marathon station had stood empty for probably a decade at IN 26 & old US 31 before the owner (that was quoted) recently opened it back up, even though the Kokomo project was full steam ahead at the time.  It makes sense that the traffic at that intersection has dropped 25% on IN 931, although IN 26 traffic there seems to have increased a bit.  It's really difficult to get in and out of the Marathon station from IN 26.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: theline on June 03, 2014, 05:13:25 PM
One quote from the Kokomo mayor in the WSBT report really stood out to me:
Quote"Not to say we never would or for a certain reason develop out there, but if it's just a fast food franchise or fast food chain that wants to go on to the virgin property out there and transfer their asset from one part of Kokomo to the other, we're obviously not interested in that happening,"  said Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight.

I'm hoping he misspoke. The mayor should be interested in helping any businesses that depended on intercity traffic relocate to where the traffic is going. He should be interested in promoting business anywhere in Kokomo, not just along 931. It sounds like he'd rather see a business on 931 fail, rather than moving to the new 31 and succeeding.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on June 03, 2014, 06:50:21 PM
Quote from: monty on June 03, 2014, 10:21:59 AM
Quote from: mukade on June 02, 2014, 05:48:36 AM
Quote from: vtk on June 01, 2014, 11:47:57 PM
Local traffic shifting to the new road isn't going to hurt businesses on the old road.  The locals still know those businesses are there, and they'll go there when they want to patronize those businesses.

Remember, this is talking about restaurants and gas stations so it means that they have alternatives. The two businesses referenced on the south side dropped 15-25%, and there is less to draw people up north.

Some of the restaurants and gas stations that were dependent on the through traffic along IN 931 in Kokomo will suffer, although I doubt they'll fail.  Driving behaviors are being changed in the region.  Most retail will be okay.  They've had years to prepare for this moment. Kokomo traditionally draws a lot of retail business from the surrounding area and that isn't likely to change and it may even improve for a few as an improved US 31 will make it easier to get to Kokomo from the north.

While I am sympathetic to business concerns, the Marathon station had stood empty for probably a decade at IN 26 & old US 31 before the owner (that was quoted) recently opened it back up, even though the Kokomo project was full steam ahead at the time.  It makes sense that the traffic at that intersection has dropped 25% on IN 931, although IN 26 traffic there seems to have increased a bit.  It's really difficult to get in and out of the Marathon station from IN 26.

Of course some businesses will fail. How can they sustain such a drop in business when some were on the edge to begin with? I would expect one or more restaurants on the north side will go pretty quickly, but weak ones elsewhere will as well. The folly is that the city does not accept that things changed - you can't pretend they did not. Most highway travelers will no longer visit local restaurants and gas stations as long as they are a mile or more from the new highway. Most cities would be wise enough to want these replaced rather than losing them completely.

I do agree the Marathon station owner had ample warning a new road would soon affect his business.

Quote from: theline on June 03, 2014, 05:13:25 PM
One quote from the Kokomo mayor in the WSBT report really stood out to me:
Quote?Not to say we never would or for a certain reason develop out there, but if it?s just a fast food franchise or fast food chain that wants to go on to the virgin property out there and transfer their asset from one part of Kokomo to the other, we're obviously not interested in that happening,? said Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight.

I'm hoping he misspoke. The mayor should be interested in helping any businesses that depended on intercity traffic relocate to where the traffic is going. He should be interested in promoting business anywhere in Kokomo, not just along 931. It sounds like he'd rather see a business on 931 fail, rather than moving to the new 31 and succeeding.

Nope. I am afraid that is what he really thinks.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on July 27, 2014, 09:33:33 PM
Opening of new US 31 appears to have had little effect on local business (http://www.kokomotribune.com/local/x1927888813/Opening-of-new-US-31-appears-to-have-had-little-effect-on-local-business?zc_p=1) (Kokomo Tribune)

I personally think this is an article that supports the narrative the city wants to believe. If somewhere between a third and a half of the traffic bypasses the city, business certainly will be impacted for those that rely on highway traffic. The article cites businesses that would be expected to gain business (Bob Evans which is in a favorable location, a furniture store that moved to a prime location, and a gas station ten miles south of town). It also talks about Mancino's which relies on local clientele, not highway traffic.

The businesses to be most concerned about are the ones that truly relied on highway traffic - for example on old US 31 north of the main business area.

The most interesting thing in the article is that services signs will eventually go up:
Quote
Many businesses are eagerly awaiting the vegetation along the new 31 to take good enough hold that INDOT will approve the blue commercial information signs which will allow owners to advertise at which exits they are located. Restaurants, gas, stations, hotels, hospitals, colleges and universities and a variety of other attractions will be allowed to purchase spots on those signs.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: bmeiser on July 27, 2014, 11:34:45 PM
I suppose that explains why other signs (creeks/rivers, enhanced mile markers, etc) haven't gone in yet: waiting for the grass to grow.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on August 04, 2014, 03:28:26 PM
I noticed this morning that INDOT has erected temporary orange exit signs at SR 26 and US 31.  The permanent signs at SR 26 and several others in the new Kokomo segment were blown down with wind aided by snow, ice and even tornadoes in the past year.  Some were down even before the highway was opened.  I was happy to see this as drivers new to the route had limited (or no) way to identify several exits.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on January 21, 2015, 07:58:09 PM
I noticed that crews are setting new posts to mount the local business' directory signs.


iPhone
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on January 23, 2015, 06:02:11 PM
At least some are up now.

Are they also going to finally replace the green signs that blew down?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ysuindy on August 21, 2015, 04:20:23 PM
Went through Tipton County earlier this week and noticed that while no construction has started at the state route 38 intersection with US 31, both the Marathon on the northeast corner and the Sherrill's "Eat Here Get Gas" on the southeast corner are vacant.

The Flamingo Motel continues to operate just south of the intersection on the west side of 31.

I see from the INDOT website that bids were to be opened sometime this month with construction complete by the end of 2016.  It will be interesting to see if work starts this  year.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: The Ghostbuster on August 21, 2015, 04:57:05 PM
Is there any timeline for when US 31 might be completely freeway from Indianapolis to South Bend? Oh, and save the Interstate designation suggestions for Fictional Highways.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on August 21, 2015, 05:04:16 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on August 21, 2015, 04:57:05 PM
Is there any timeline for when US 31 might be completely freeway from Indianapolis to South Bend? Oh, and save the Interstate designation suggestions for Fictional Highways.

Pence has said that he wants it done, but that's as far as things have gotten.  There are many other projects that need to be done before this.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: theline on August 21, 2015, 06:30:44 PM
Quote from: ysuindy on August 21, 2015, 04:20:23 PM
Went through Tipton County earlier this week and noticed that while no construction has started at the state route 38 intersection with US 31, both the Marathon on the northeast corner and the Sherrill's "Eat Here Get Gas" on the southeast corner are vacant.

The Flamingo Motel continues to operate just south of the intersection on the west side of 31.

I see from the INDOT website that bids were to be opened sometime this month with construction complete by the end of 2016.  It will be interesting to see if work starts this  year.
That's SR 28, just to set the record straight. SR 38 interchange has been done for awhile.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ysuindy on August 21, 2015, 09:58:42 PM
Quote from: theline on August 21, 2015, 06:30:44 PM
Quote from: ysuindy on August 21, 2015, 04:20:23 PM
Went through Tipton County earlier this week and noticed that while no construction has started at the state route 38 intersection with US 31, both the Marathon on the northeast corner and the Sherrill's "Eat Here Get Gas" on the southeast corner are vacant.

The Flamingo Motel continues to operate just south of the intersection on the west side of 31.

I see from the INDOT website that bids were to be opened sometime this month with construction complete by the end of 2016.  It will be interesting to see if work starts this  year.
That's SR 28, just to set the record straight. SR 38 interchange has been done for awhile.
p   Thanks.  Fat thumb disease. Especially since I get on and off 31 at 38. (Stops and rechecks numbers before hitting Post)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on August 23, 2015, 03:23:35 PM
Quote from: ysuindy on August 21, 2015, 04:20:23 PM
Went through Tipton County earlier this week and noticed that while no construction has started at the state route 28 intersection with US 31, both the Marathon on the northeast corner and the Sherrill's "Eat Here Get Gas" on the southeast corner are vacant.

The Flamingo Motel continues to operate just south of the intersection on the west side of 31.

I see from the INDOT website that bids were to be opened sometime this month with construction complete by the end of 2016.  It will be interesting to see if work starts this  year.

Sherrill's is still open. The two other former businesses on the SE corner are both closed. The letting date for the interchange contract is actually 11/10/2015 so construction would likely begin in the spring.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ysuindy on August 24, 2015, 12:18:41 PM
Quote from: mukade on August 23, 2015, 03:23:35 PM
Quote from: ysuindy on August 21, 2015, 04:20:23 PM
Went through Tipton County earlier this week and noticed that while no construction has started at the state route 28 intersection with US 31, both the Marathon on the northeast corner and the Sherrill's "Eat Here Get Gas" on the southeast corner are vacant.

The Flamingo Motel continues to operate just south of the intersection on the west side of 31.

I see from the INDOT website that bids were to be opened sometime this month with construction complete by the end of 2016.  It will be interesting to see if work starts this  year.

Sherrill's is still open. The two other former businesses on the SE corner are both closed. The letting date for the interchange contract is actually 11/10/2015 so construction would likely begin in the spring.

Thanks for the update. I did not notice any cars or other activity when I went by on Wednesday afternoon, so I presumed they were closed. I've never stopped - perhaps I should get in there once just to say I did.

Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on August 24, 2015, 05:22:58 PM
Quote from: ysuindy on August 24, 2015, 12:18:41 PM
Quote from: mukade on August 23, 2015, 03:23:35 PM
Quote from: ysuindy on August 21, 2015, 04:20:23 PM
Went through Tipton County earlier this week and noticed that while no construction has started at the state route 28 intersection with US 31, both the Marathon on the northeast corner and the Sherrill's "Eat Here Get Gas" on the southeast corner are vacant.

The Flamingo Motel continues to operate just south of the intersection on the west side of 31.

I see from the INDOT website that bids were to be opened sometime this month with construction complete by the end of 2016.  It will be interesting to see if work starts this  year.

Sherrill's is still open. The two other former businesses on the SE corner are both closed. The letting date for the interchange contract is actually 11/10/2015 so construction would likely begin in the spring.

Thanks for the update. I did not notice any cars or other activity when I went by on Wednesday afternoon, so I presumed they were closed. I've never stopped - perhaps I should get in there once just to say I did.



I think they are open breakfast and lunch only, but they will have to close down soon.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mobilene on August 27, 2015, 09:08:06 AM
Sad about Sherrill's eventually closing. They make a good bowl of chili.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on August 27, 2015, 06:12:52 PM
Quote from: mobilene on August 27, 2015, 09:08:06 AM
Sad about Sherrill's eventually closing. They make a good bowl of chili.

I assume that is where the "get gas" part of their name comes from?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: GCrites on August 28, 2015, 08:08:24 PM
The real question is what the Beach Boys think of this project.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on August 28, 2015, 08:15:43 PM
Sherrill's and Day's Marathon are now closed.  These were mainstays in Tipton for many years.  I believe the "Eat here and get Gas" sign may be saved as a museum piece.

INDOT recently erected some new signs on the on ramps around the new Kokomo segment prohibiting un-motorized vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.  This was lacking in comparison to the new Plymouth - South Bend segment.  I'm surprised that farm implements are not prohibited as per the new signs.  I've seen tractors driving the highway on this stretch.   

The wind damaged signs have not yet been erected.  How long does it take?  Several were taken down by the tornado right when the highway opened.

The 28 & 31 interchange should be let for bids this fall with hopes to be complete (or at least open) in 2016.  SR 28 is to be closed for 90 days.

The US 31 Coalition is still pushing to complete the Indy to South Bend corridor to interstate / freeway standards.  INDOT funding is going to be the greatest obstacle.  It would make sense that the rural SR 38 to Kokomo segment will be first in line for conversion with the Tipton interchange up next.  The stoplights at Baker's Corner and Division Road along with an overpass at the NS RR near Tipton all likely candidates for improvements.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on August 28, 2015, 08:38:19 PM
Quote from: monty on August 28, 2015, 08:15:43 PM
The wind damaged signs have not yet been erected.  How long does it take?  Several were taken down by the tornado right when the highway opened.

That is a disgrace, but I-69 down south also had a lot down back in June. The tornado hit right before the US 31 freeway in Kokomo opened so motorists have never seen two of them.

Quote from: monty on August 28, 2015, 08:15:43 PM
It would make sense that the rural SR 38 to Kokomo segment will be first in line for conversion with the Tipton interchange up next.  The stoplights at Baker's Corner and Division Road along with an overpass at the NS RR near Tipton all likely candidates for improvements.

I would say SR 38 to just north of US 24 need an upgrade that removes all traffic lights. The intersections at SR 18 and SR 218 have had fatal accidents. I assume the other two Peru traffic lights have also had their share. The Miami County US 31/Division Rd. intersection (with no traffic light) is also a death trap.

There are way too many driveways off of US 31 between SR 38 and US 24.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on August 28, 2015, 10:01:48 PM
Quote from: mukade on August 28, 2015, 08:38:19 PM
Quote from: monty on August 28, 2015, 08:15:43 PM
The wind damaged signs have not yet been erected.  How long does it take?  Several were taken down by the tornado right when the highway opened.

That is a disgrace, but I-69 down south also had a lot down back in June. The tornado hit right before the US 31 freeway in Kokomo opened so motorists have never seen two of them.

Quote from: monty on August 28, 2015, 08:15:43 PM
It would make sense that the rural SR 38 to Kokomo segment will be first in line for conversion with the Tipton interchange up next.  The stoplights at Baker's Corner and Division Road along with an overpass at the NS RR near Tipton all likely candidates for improvements.

I would say SR 38 to just north of US 24 need an upgrade that removes all traffic lights. The intersections at SR 18 and SR 218 have had fatal accidents. I assume the other two Peru traffic lights have also had their share. The Miami County US 31/Division Rd. intersection (with no traffic light) is also a death trap.

I agree that there are several very dangerous intersections, as mentioned here.  With INDOT budgets dwindling, it's hard to imagine all these projects being completed anytime soon without some creative financing or fuel tax increases.

There are way too many driveways off of US 31 between SR 38 and US 24.
Yes there are.  And while new interchanges are quite expensive, eliminating all those driveways add an additional cost burden to eventual freeway status.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on August 29, 2015, 02:49:16 PM
Quote from: monty on August 28, 2015, 08:15:43 PM
Sherrill's and Day's Marathon are now closed.  These were mainstays in Tipton for many years.  I believe the "Eat here and get Gas" sign may be saved as a museum piece.

Unless there is a crew of people emptying the restaurant, Sherrill's is still open because lots of cars were there. I drove by there going to Indy at around 10:00 am and around 1:00 pm today. I am sure it will not be open for long, of course. It does seem that 5 star hotel across US 31 is now closed, though.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on August 31, 2015, 08:54:39 AM
Quote from: mukade on August 28, 2015, 08:38:19 PM
I would say SR 38 to just north of US 24 need an upgrade that removes all traffic lights. The intersections at SR 18 and SR 218 have had fatal accidents. I assume the other two Peru traffic lights have also had their share. The Miami County US 31/Division Rd. intersection (with no traffic light) is also a death trap.

There are way too many driveways off of US 31 between SR 38 and US 24.

As somebody who drives both 65 Louisville-Indy and 31 Indy-SB both several times a year, I can say that I would much prefer the 6-laning of 65 happen before converting any more segments of 31.  I get backed up on 65 due to accidents regularly.  I have never once been backed up on 31 due to an accident.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on August 31, 2015, 09:49:23 AM
Quote from: cabiness42 on August 31, 2015, 08:54:39 AM
Quote from: mukade on August 28, 2015, 08:38:19 PM
I would say SR 38 to just north of US 24 need an upgrade that removes all traffic lights. The intersections at SR 18 and SR 218 have had fatal accidents. I assume the other two Peru traffic lights have also had their share. The Miami County US 31/Division Rd. intersection (with no traffic light) is also a death trap.

There are way too many driveways off of US 31 between SR 38 and US 24.

As somebody who drives both 65 Louisville-Indy and 31 Indy-SB both several times a year, I can say that I would much prefer the 6-laning of 65 happen before converting any more segments of 31.  I get backed up on 65 due to accidents regularly.  I have never once been backed up on 31 due to an accident.

hopefully there will be money to do both. No one seems to be talking about 6 laning 70
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on August 31, 2015, 03:33:35 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on August 31, 2015, 09:49:23 AM
Quote from: cabiness42 on August 31, 2015, 08:54:39 AM
Quote from: mukade on August 28, 2015, 08:38:19 PM
I would say SR 38 to just north of US 24 need an upgrade that removes all traffic lights. The intersections at SR 18 and SR 218 have had fatal accidents. I assume the other two Peru traffic lights have also had their share. The Miami County US 31/Division Rd. intersection (with no traffic light) is also a death trap.

There are way too many driveways off of US 31 between SR 38 and US 24.

As somebody who drives both 65 Louisville-Indy and 31 Indy-SB both several times a year, I can say that I would much prefer the 6-laning of 65 happen before converting any more segments of 31.  I get backed up on 65 due to accidents regularly.  I have never once been backed up on 31 due to an accident.

hopefully there will be money to do both. No one seems to be talking about 6 laning 70

I never drive on 70 but I would imagine it is very similar to 65 in needing to be 6 laned.  I would probably also prioritize that over the rest of 31.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on August 31, 2015, 05:27:14 PM
There are plenty of accidents on US 31.  The majority being the issue of crossing traffic and vehicles running into stopped traffic at stoplights.  Back-ups do happen, but where the highway is not a freeway, cars can be easily routed around an accident. I'm all for six-laning I 65 as well.  Funding is going to be an issue on all of these proposed improvements.   :-/
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ysuindy on September 26, 2015, 11:38:49 PM
Went up to South Bend this morning.  Sherrill's was open for breakfast.  Several cars in the lot.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on December 12, 2015, 06:26:52 PM
US 31 in Kokomo lost probably half of its green signs, but they look to be ready to replace them at long last. Two signs were destroyed in a tornado over two years ago so they never have been standing as long as the road has been open. The rest fell over from winds apparently. The new footings appear to be a lot beefier.

As for the danger on US 31, this past week a tanker semi was hit from behind by another semi while stopped at the railroad tracks just north of SR 28. I hope they at least address these particularly dangerous aspects of the highway that has not been upgraded.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: 2trailertrucker on December 12, 2015, 10:34:43 PM
Quote from: mukade on December 12, 2015, 06:26:52 PM
US 31 in Kokomo lost probably half of its green signs, but they look to be ready to replace them at long last. Two signs were destroyed in a tornado over two years ago so they never have been standing as long as the road has been open. The rest fell over from winds apparently. The new footings appear to be a lot beefier.

As for the danger on US 31, this past week a tanker semi was hit from behind by another semi while stopped at the railroad tracks just north of SR 28. I hope they at least address these particularly dangerous aspects of the highway that has not been upgraded.

Maybe someone can tell us why they can or cannot "Exempt" both tracks on US 31. US 24 in Napoleon OH had the same problem till the exempted Haz mat trucks and busses from stopping for it.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on December 13, 2015, 05:16:58 PM
INDOT has advance caution flashers at the NSRR crossing and signs to watch for slow traffic in Tipton County on US 31. This rail line sees 3-5+ trains a day that cross the highway at about 45 mph. There has been a number of accidents involving slowed / stopped trucks there. I think bridging this railroad will be among the next improvements made to the corridor after the IN 28 interchange is complete.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: Lyon Wonder on December 13, 2015, 05:43:47 PM
Quote from: monty on December 13, 2015, 05:16:58 PM
INDOT has advance caution flashers at the NSRR crossing and signs to watch for slow traffic in Tipton County on US 31. This rail line sees 3-5+ trains a day that cross the highway at about 45 mph. There has been a number of accidents involving slowed / stopped trucks there. I think bridging this railroad will be among the next improvements made to the corridor after the IN 28 interchange is complete.

I found a diagram of the proposed interchange for US 31 and IN-28. 

It looks like there's several businesses at the intersection that will have to be demolished to make room for the interchange, which also looks like it will include a couple of runabouts for IN-28 too.

http://www.kokomotribune.com/news/indot-unveils-plans-for-revamped-u-s-ind-intersection/article_7da782a2-b2d1-11e4-a6f2-1f584470785e.html?mode=image&photo=0

Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: 2trailertrucker on December 13, 2015, 06:35:47 PM
Quote from: monty on December 13, 2015, 05:16:58 PM
INDOT has advance caution flashers at the NSRR crossing and signs to watch for slow traffic in Tipton County on US 31. This rail line sees 3-5+ trains a day that cross the highway at about 45 mph. There has been a number of accidents involving slowed / stopped trucks there. I think bridging this railroad will be among the next improvements made to the corridor after the IN 28 interchange is complete.

They could still exempt the tracks at IN 28. There is plenty of line of vision from the intersection of 31 and 28 so if a train was approaching, the lights and cross arms would be sufficient. When I have haz mat, I pull to the shoulder for my stop. Even then, I am still looking more behind me then side to side.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on December 13, 2015, 07:31:46 PM
Quote from: Lyon Wonder on December 13, 2015, 05:43:47 PM
Quote from: monty on December 13, 2015, 05:16:58 PM
INDOT has advance caution flashers at the NSRR crossing and signs to watch for slow traffic in Tipton County on US 31. This rail line sees 3-5+ trains a day that cross the highway at about 45 mph. There has been a number of accidents involving slowed / stopped trucks there. I think bridging this railroad will be among the next improvements made to the corridor after the IN 28 interchange is complete.

I found a diagram of the proposed interchange for US 31 and IN-28. 

It looks like there's several businesses at the intersection that will have to be demolished to make room for the interchange, which also looks like it will include a couple of runabouts for IN-28 too.

http://www.kokomotribune.com/news/indot-unveils-plans-for-revamped-u-s-ind-intersection/article_7da782a2-b2d1-11e4-a6f2-1f584470785e.html?mode=image&photo=0

you're right, at that is scheduled to happen soon, the entire interchange will be drive-able by November 2016
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on December 16, 2015, 07:25:25 AM
how has traffic been on 931 vs 31?  I'm interested in seeing how much traffic 931 has lost to 31 now.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: The Ghostbuster on December 16, 2015, 03:18:34 PM
Has anyone driven the old route (SR 931) and determined whether or not it is less congested than before the bypass was constructed?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ysuindy on December 22, 2015, 10:02:41 AM
INDOT press release announced the awarding of the contract for the SR28 interchange

Work starts in April, State Route 28 closes in June for up to 120 days and interchange complete in November.

http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/INDOT-12c7075
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on December 25, 2015, 09:28:25 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 16, 2015, 03:18:34 PM
Has anyone driven the old route (SR 931) and determined whether or not it is less congested than before the bypass was constructed?

Oh yes, it is much improved.  The lack of through trucks being the most obvious.  I'd say the projections INDOT made are about right.  About 15,000 vehicles per day on the new route.  South end of Kokomo on 931 is where it is so noticeable.  That area was approaching gridlock at rush hour.  Count was nearly 45,000 vehicles per day between Center Road and Lincoln Road.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: JREwing78 on December 27, 2015, 09:29:36 PM
Quote from: 2trailertrucker on December 13, 2015, 06:35:47 PM
Quote from: monty on December 13, 2015, 05:16:58 PM
INDOT has advance caution flashers at the NSRR crossing and signs to watch for slow traffic in Tipton County on US 31. This rail line sees 3-5+ trains a day that cross the highway at about 45 mph. There has been a number of accidents involving slowed / stopped trucks there. I think bridging this railroad will be among the next improvements made to the corridor after the IN 28 interchange is complete.

They could still exempt the tracks at IN 28. There is plenty of line of vision from the intersection of 31 and 28 so if a train was approaching, the lights and cross arms would be sufficient. When I have haz mat, I pull to the shoulder for my stop. Even then, I am still looking more behind me then side to side.

Where they can't exempt the tracks, other places have installed special deceleration/acceleration lanes prior to and after the railroad crossing to accommodate vehicles that have to stop at the railroad crossing. US-141 north of Abrams, WI and US-151 just south of Waupun, WI features these lanes. It's no replacement for an overpass, but that would alleviate the issue in the meantime.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on December 27, 2015, 11:05:48 PM
Quote from: JREwing78 on December 27, 2015, 09:29:36 PM
Quote from: 2trailertrucker on December 13, 2015, 06:35:47 PM
Quote from: monty on December 13, 2015, 05:16:58 PM
INDOT has advance caution flashers at the NSRR crossing and signs to watch for slow traffic in Tipton County on US 31. This rail line sees 3-5+ trains a day that cross the highway at about 45 mph. There has been a number of accidents involving slowed / stopped trucks there. I think bridging this railroad will be among the next improvements made to the corridor after the IN 28 interchange is complete.

They could still exempt the tracks at IN 28. There is plenty of line of vision from the intersection of 31 and 28 so if a train was approaching, the lights and cross arms would be sufficient. When I have haz mat, I pull to the shoulder for my stop. Even then, I am still looking more behind me then side to side.

Where they can't exempt the tracks, other places have installed special deceleration/acceleration lanes prior to and after the railroad crossing to accommodate vehicles that have to stop at the railroad crossing. US-141 north of Abrams, WI and US-151 just south of Waupun, WI features these lanes. It's no replacement for an overpass, but that would alleviate the issue in the meantime.

I don't think I've seen exempt tracks anywhere in indiana, does anyone know of any locations around the state?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on December 28, 2015, 09:53:34 AM
Quote from: JREwing78 on December 27, 2015, 09:29:36 PM
Quote from: 2trailertrucker on December 13, 2015, 06:35:47 PM
Quote from: monty on December 13, 2015, 05:16:58 PM
INDOT has advance caution flashers at the NSRR crossing and signs to watch for slow traffic in Tipton County on US 31. This rail line sees 3-5+ trains a day that cross the highway at about 45 mph. There has been a number of accidents involving slowed / stopped trucks there. I think bridging this railroad will be among the next improvements made to the corridor after the IN 28 interchange is complete.

They could still exempt the tracks at IN 28. There is plenty of line of vision from the intersection of 31 and 28 so if a train was approaching, the lights and cross arms would be sufficient. When I have haz mat, I pull to the shoulder for my stop. Even then, I am still looking more behind me then side to side.

Where they can't exempt the tracks, other places have installed special deceleration/acceleration lanes prior to and after the railroad crossing to accommodate vehicles that have to stop at the railroad crossing. US-141 north of Abrams, WI and US-151 just south of Waupun, WI features these lanes. It's no replacement for an overpass, but that would alleviate the issue in the meantime.

I have just learned the railroad tracks just north of SR 28 will be bridged relatively soon. 
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: 2trailertrucker on December 28, 2015, 07:29:39 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on December 28, 2015, 09:53:34 AM
Quote from: JREwing78 on December 27, 2015, 09:29:36 PM
Quote from: 2trailertrucker on December 13, 2015, 06:35:47 PM
Quote from: monty on December 13, 2015, 05:16:58 PM
INDOT has advance caution flashers at the NSRR crossing and signs to watch for slow traffic in Tipton County on US 31. This rail line sees 3-5+ trains a day that cross the highway at about 45 mph. There has been a number of accidents involving slowed / stopped trucks there. I think bridging this railroad will be among the next improvements made to the corridor after the IN 28 interchange is complete.

They could still exempt the tracks at IN 28. There is plenty of line of vision from the intersection of 31 and 28 so if a train was approaching, the lights and cross arms would be sufficient. When I have haz mat, I pull to the shoulder for my stop. Even then, I am still looking more behind me then side to side.

Where they can't exempt the tracks, other places have installed special deceleration/acceleration lanes prior to and after the railroad crossing to accommodate vehicles that have to stop at the railroad crossing. US-141 north of Abrams, WI and US-151 just south of Waupun, WI features these lanes. It's no replacement for an overpass, but that would alleviate the issue in the meantime.

I have just learned the railroad tracks just north of SR 28 will be bridged relatively soon.
Good news! INDOT needs to install red light warning signals about 1/4 to 1/2 mile from Bakers Corner. Traffic is at 50 mph + and the light sits at the bottom of a hill. I see some rear ender accidents in its future.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on December 28, 2015, 08:10:14 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on December 16, 2015, 07:25:25 AM
how has traffic been on 931 vs 31?  I'm interested in seeing how much traffic 931 has lost to 31 now.

I thought the state estimated 30% of the traffic would end up on the new bypass. It is very hard to judge, but I think it generally exceeds that. At times, the new US 31 has a steady stream of traffic, and sometimes SR 931 seems empty. At other times, it is vice versa, but I bet the new bypass has at least 40% of the total traffic on both roads.

SR 931 never backs up at the traffic lights now. Center Road, Lincoln Road, and Markland were all problematic before.

Quote from: silverback1065 on December 27, 2015, 11:05:48 PM
I don't think I've seen exempt tracks anywhere in indiana, does anyone know of any locations around the state?

The old Kokomo bypass/current SR 931 had 4 rail crossings once. I believe two were marked "exempt" when the tracks were officially abandoned. Except for the one active track up by Menard's, the crossings are now all paved over.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on December 29, 2015, 07:31:51 AM
Quote from: 2trailertrucker on December 28, 2015, 07:29:39 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on December 28, 2015, 09:53:34 AM
Quote from: JREwing78 on December 27, 2015, 09:29:36 PM
Quote from: 2trailertrucker on December 13, 2015, 06:35:47 PM
Quote from: monty on December 13, 2015, 05:16:58 PM
INDOT has advance caution flashers at the NSRR crossing and signs to watch for slow traffic in Tipton County on US 31. This rail line sees 3-5+ trains a day that cross the highway at about 45 mph. There has been a number of accidents involving slowed / stopped trucks there. I think bridging this railroad will be among the next improvements made to the corridor after the IN 28 interchange is complete.

They could still exempt the tracks at IN 28. There is plenty of line of vision from the intersection of 31 and 28 so if a train was approaching, the lights and cross arms would be sufficient. When I have haz mat, I pull to the shoulder for my stop. Even then, I am still looking more behind me then side to side.

Where they can't exempt the tracks, other places have installed special deceleration/acceleration lanes prior to and after the railroad crossing to accommodate vehicles that have to stop at the railroad crossing. US-141 north of Abrams, WI and US-151 just south of Waupun, WI features these lanes. It's no replacement for an overpass, but that would alleviate the issue in the meantime.

I have just learned the railroad tracks just north of SR 28 will be bridged relatively soon.
Good news! INDOT needs to install red light warning signals about 1/4 to 1/2 mile from Bakers Corner. Traffic is at 50 mph + and the light sits at the bottom of a hill. I see some rear ender accidents in its future.

you mean 236th st?  hopefully that's on their docket next to turn into an interchange in the future.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: 2trailertrucker on December 29, 2015, 09:19:07 AM
Quote from: silverback1065 on December 29, 2015, 07:31:51 AM
Quote from: 2trailertrucker on December 28, 2015, 07:29:39 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on December 28, 2015, 09:53:34 AM
Quote from: JREwing78 on December 27, 2015, 09:29:36 PM
Quote from: 2trailertrucker on December 13, 2015, 06:35:47 PM
Quote from: monty on December 13, 2015, 05:16:58 PM
INDOT has advance caution flashers at the NSRR crossing and signs to watch for slow traffic in Tipton County on US 31. This rail line sees 3-5+ trains a day that cross the highway at about 45 mph. There has been a number of accidents involving slowed / stopped trucks there. I think bridging this railroad will be among the next improvements made to the corridor after the IN 28 interchange is complete.

They could still exempt the tracks at IN 28. There is plenty of line of vision from the intersection of 31 and 28 so if a train was approaching, the lights and cross arms would be sufficient. When I have haz mat, I pull to the shoulder for my stop. Even then, I am still looking more behind me then side to side.

Where they can't exempt the tracks, other places have installed special deceleration/acceleration lanes prior to and after the railroad crossing to accommodate vehicles that have to stop at the railroad crossing. US-141 north of Abrams, WI and US-151 just south of Waupun, WI features these lanes. It's no replacement for an overpass, but that would alleviate the issue in the meantime.

I have just learned the railroad tracks just north of SR 28 will be bridged relatively soon.
Good news! INDOT needs to install red light warning signals about 1/4 to 1/2 mile from Bakers Corner. Traffic is at 50 mph + and the light sits at the bottom of a hill. I see some rear ender accidents in its future.

you mean 236th st?  hopefully that's on their docket next to turn into an interchange in the future.

Yes it is.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: bmeiser on December 29, 2015, 04:58:34 PM
They really should just make the freeway upgrade from 28 up to Kokomo. Already removing 1 stoplight and a RR crossing, might as well remove the other and the drives and intersections.

Nexus 7

Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on December 30, 2015, 11:43:20 AM
Quote from: bmeiser on December 29, 2015, 04:58:34 PM
They really should just make the freeway upgrade from 28 up to Kokomo. Already removing 1 stoplight and a RR crossing, might as well remove the other and the drives and intersections.

Nexus 7



How about from Kokomo, north? Bridge the RR, interchange at Division Road, and add one more overpass in mid-Tipton County (300N), eliminate the driveways and surface cross-overs and presto, you have a freeway.  The challenge is buying out all those houses that have little alternative options for access.  There's quite a few in Tipton County.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on December 30, 2015, 11:49:15 AM
Quote from: monty on December 30, 2015, 11:43:20 AM
Quote from: bmeiser on December 29, 2015, 04:58:34 PM
They really should just make the freeway upgrade from 28 up to Kokomo. Already removing 1 stoplight and a RR crossing, might as well remove the other and the drives and intersections.

Nexus 7



How about from Kokomo, north? Bridge the RR, interchange at Division Road, and add one more overpass in mid-Tipton County (300N), eliminate the driveways and surface cross-overs and presto, you have a freeway.  The challenge is buying out all those houses that have little alternative options for access.  There's quite a few in Tipton County.

There are even more houses in Miami/Fulton counties.  Not sure what you do about all of those.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on December 30, 2015, 04:57:05 PM
Quote from: monty on December 30, 2015, 11:43:20 AM
Quote from: bmeiser on December 29, 2015, 04:58:34 PM
They really should just make the freeway upgrade from 28 up to Kokomo. Already removing 1 stoplight and a RR crossing, might as well remove the other and the drives and intersections.

Nexus 7



How about from Kokomo, north? Bridge the RR, interchange at Division Road, and add one more overpass in mid-Tipton County (300N), eliminate the driveways and surface cross-overs and presto, you have a freeway.  The challenge is buying out all those houses that have little alternative options for access.  There's quite a few in Tipton County.

Where there are enough houses in a row, I assume you could build an access road behind them, but i bet most would just be purchased and demolished. Just north of US 31 on the south end of SR 931, they did just that rather than saving any of the houses that stood there. Similarly, the SR 28 interchange required buying a lot of properties - all will be torn down.

Quote from: cabiness42 on December 30, 2015, 11:49:15 AM
There are even more houses in Miami/Fulton counties.  Not sure what you do about all of those.

Miami County is clearly the most problematic section now with four traffic lights, a lot of driveways, and at least four other dangerous, non-signalized intersections.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on January 20, 2016, 08:12:56 AM
There is a project that will soon create an overpass for the rail road tracks at 100 S and Division road will overpass 31! Sure looks like the kokomo to westfield gap will be filled 1st
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on January 23, 2016, 02:03:36 PM
Quote from: monty on December 30, 2015, 11:43:20 AM
Quote from: bmeiser on December 29, 2015, 04:58:34 PM
They really should just make the freeway upgrade from 28 up to Kokomo. Already removing 1 stoplight and a RR crossing, might as well remove the other and the drives and intersections.

Nexus 7



How about from Kokomo, north? Bridge the RR, interchange at Division Road, and add one more overpass in mid-Tipton County (300N), eliminate the driveways and surface cross-overs and presto, you have a freeway.  The challenge is buying out all those houses that have little alternative options for access.  There's quite a few in Tipton County.
I was just scrolling through the thread and realized I wrote north instead of south on this comment.  Anyway, it would seem that the Kokomo to Westfield segment would make the most sense to invest / improve into a freeway status.  This segment is much older than the Miami & Fulton County segment with more driveway cuts, narrower median / ROW.  It also carries more traffic.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on February 03, 2016, 09:41:17 AM
According to today's Kokomo Tribune, work will begin on the new SR 28 interchange next week, beginning with demolition, followed by prep for the center bridge pier over US 31 in March.  http://www.kokomotribune.com/news/indot-contractors-to-begin-work-on---interchange-next/article_f1c5dd1c-c9bb-11e5-a696-dbe3f381100b.html
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on February 03, 2016, 08:15:36 PM
Finally, new green signage is going up on US 31 in Kokomo. I noticed two new ones yesterday, and crews were working on another one today. At least a couple of signs were destroyed before the highway opened and were never replaced.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on February 03, 2016, 09:39:17 PM
I agree mukade.  Finally!  I saw the crews out today as well.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: roadgeek on February 04, 2016, 11:05:38 AM
Can ya post some pics? :D

Quote from: mukade on February 03, 2016, 08:15:36 PM
Finally, new green signage is going up on US 31 in Kokomo. I noticed two new ones yesterday, and crews were working on another one today. At least a couple of signs were destroyed before the highway opened and were never replaced.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on February 06, 2016, 09:02:38 PM
As stated several times, at least half of the green signs fell over on US 31 in Kokomo since the highway opened in November, 2013. Several other signs of about the same age blew down on the new I-69 and US 31 south of South Bend, but not nearly as many.

Also, as stated, INDOT finally replaced all of the missing signs in Kokomo this past week.

In looking at the new signs compared to the old ones, I noticed three differences:
1) 3 posts instead of two
2) the metal posts are noticeably larger
3) Larger concrete footings

So I don't see the new signs toppling over very easily.

The signs themselves did not change. They could have changed the ones for SR 22 to say "US 35 NORTH/SR 22 EAST" because SR 22 west of US 31 was turned back to the City of Kokomo over a year ago. But they did not change from the original plans. Also, "East Blvd/CR 100S" technically is no longer CR 100S east of US 31 because of an annexation. Also, it really should be "E Boulevard", not "East Blvd". No changes there either, however.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on February 06, 2016, 09:12:36 PM
indot should just kill 22 all together
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on February 06, 2016, 09:20:11 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on February 06, 2016, 09:12:36 PM
indot should just kill 22 all together

I would say SR 22 should stay and US 35 should be axed. What purpose does US 35 really serve in Indiana?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on February 06, 2016, 09:22:51 PM
Quote from: mukade on February 06, 2016, 09:20:11 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on February 06, 2016, 09:12:36 PM
indot should just kill 22 all together

I would say SR 22 should stay and US 35 should be axed. What purpose does US 35 really serve in Indiana?

i could see that, downgrade the non multiplexed parts to state route status.  it's about as useless as us 421 north of greensburg.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on February 07, 2016, 08:50:35 AM
Quote from: silverback1065 on February 06, 2016, 09:22:51 PM
Quote from: mukade on February 06, 2016, 09:20:11 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on February 06, 2016, 09:12:36 PM
indot should just kill 22 all together

I would say SR 22 should stay and US 35 should be axed. What purpose does US 35 really serve in Indiana?

i could see that, downgrade the non multiplexed parts to state route status.  it's about as useless as us 421 north of greensburg.

I doubt either 35 or 421 goes away, if for no other reason than that's what people are used to calling those roads. 
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on February 07, 2016, 06:54:46 PM
Quote from: cabiness42 on February 07, 2016, 08:50:35 AM
Quote from: silverback1065 on February 06, 2016, 09:22:51 PM
Quote from: mukade on February 06, 2016, 09:20:11 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on February 06, 2016, 09:12:36 PM
indot should just kill 22 all together

I would say SR 22 should stay and US 35 should be axed. What purpose does US 35 really serve in Indiana?

i could see that, downgrade the non multiplexed parts to state route status.  it's about as useless as us 421 north of greensburg.

I doubt either 35 or 421 goes away, if for no other reason than that's what people are used to calling those roads. 

When I lived in NW Indiana in the 70s and 80s, a lot of locals called 73rd Avenue "330" because it was SR 330 in the 1940s and some called Ridge Rd US 6. What is now SR 161 north of Owensboro to SR 66 has also been US 231, SR 75 and SR 45. And BTW, locals call US 35/SR 22 "22", not US 35. So I don't think that enters into the discussion because route numbers have changed a lot over the years. The US 35 route up north was SR 29 and was SR 21 from Gas City to Richmond. From Logansport to Kokomo, it was supposed to be SR 17 when it was built. US 421 was SR 43 up north. Both of them have a lot of concurrencies now. Reverting to those original numbers makes more sense because no would take the entire route for either one for long distance travel (for example, from Michigan City to Richmond or Michigan City to Madison).

That said, i don't really think INDOT wants to get rid of those designations.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ysuindy on February 21, 2016, 08:21:46 PM
Update on US 31 and SR 28.  The Flamingo Hotel and Marathon Station have been demolished.  There are still some piles of debris.

The buildings on the southeast corner are still standing, but the famous Sherrill's sign is gone.  No more "Eat Here and Get Gas" sign.

https://www.google.com/search?q=sherrills+eat+here+and+get+gas&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjxo7WYmorLAhVI4CYKHVyYCXQQsAQIMg (https://www.google.com/search?q=sherrills+eat+here+and+get+gas&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjxo7WYmorLAhVI4CYKHVyYCXQQsAQIMg)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on February 23, 2016, 05:02:23 PM
The Eat Here & Get Gas signed is preserved.  Not sure where it will be displayed in the future.  Sherrill's is actually still in business in a temporary location in Tipton.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: 2trailertrucker on March 01, 2016, 09:32:56 AM
 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FGNuLUQk.jpg&hash=ecc5863826182d3fd36c072a2736e035570309c4)

This is traveling north on US 31. The land is where Sherrell's was. Everything has been razed. The Marathon Station, The Flamingo Motel and Sherrel's are all down. While going past this morning, a crew was pumping out an underground gas tank from the Marathon station.

The Transmission Plant is to the right in the background.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ysuindy on May 10, 2016, 03:33:01 PM
Update on the SR 28 interchange

http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/INDOT-1486064
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ysuindy on June 30, 2016, 08:00:53 PM
SR 28 will close July 19.  US 31 will be reduced to one lane in each direction

http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/INDOT-152647d

Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: westerninterloper on July 07, 2016, 08:42:19 PM
I drove US 31 from Peru to Indy last week --it had been many years since I was on the route, and I was excited for the changes...but outside of the Kokomo bypass - which was smooth and quick - I was surprised that so many traffic lights remain on the highway. I was driving into Indy on a Sunday evening, and traffic was pretty heavy - mostly cars.  We seemed to get stopped at every light.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on July 10, 2016, 04:42:25 PM
Quote from: westerninterloper on July 07, 2016, 08:42:19 PM
I drove US 31 from Peru to Indy last week --it had been many years since I was on the route, and I was excited for the changes...but outside of the Kokomo bypass - which was smooth and quick - I was surprised that so many traffic lights remain on the highway. I was driving into Indy on a Sunday evening, and traffic was pretty heavy - mostly cars.  We seemed to get stopped at every light.

the south bend bypass (us20/31) is in awful shape
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: westerninterloper on July 10, 2016, 09:57:11 PM
Quote from: silverback1065 on July 10, 2016, 04:42:25 PM
Quote from: westerninterloper on July 07, 2016, 08:42:19 PM
I drove US 31 from Peru to Indy last week --it had been many years since I was on the route, and I was excited for the changes...but outside of the Kokomo bypass - which was smooth and quick - I was surprised that so many traffic lights remain on the highway. I was driving into Indy on a Sunday evening, and traffic was pretty heavy - mostly cars.  We seemed to get stopped at every light.

the south bend bypass (us20/31) is in awful shape

I was recenctly on the US 31 leg north of South Bend, halfway to Benton Harbor, and it was also in bad condition.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on July 10, 2016, 09:58:09 PM
They need to resign that entire south bend bypass. The r/w seems really narrow too.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ysuindy on August 18, 2016, 03:44:01 PM
I was on the Kokomo Bypass yesterday and noticed a sign proclaiming the highway as the Haynes-Apperson Highway.  Did not get a chance to get a picture.

I found this link about 2016 Indiana Legislature action to name US 31 in Howard County as the Haynes-Apperson Highway.

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2016/resolutions/house/concurrent/15

Doing some quick research, Haynes-Apperson was an automobile manufacturer in Kokomo between 1896 and 1905
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on August 18, 2016, 04:43:49 PM
Quote from: ysuindy on August 18, 2016, 03:44:01 PM
I was on the Kokomo Bypass yesterday and noticed a sign proclaiming the highway as the Haynes-Apperson Highway.  Did not get a chance to get a picture.

I found this link about 2016 Indiana Legislature action to name US 31 in Howard County as the Haynes-Apperson Highway.

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2016/resolutions/house/concurrent/15

Doing some quick research, Haynes-Apperson was an automobile manufacturer in Kokomo between 1896 and 1905

so that explains the name of the road Apperson Way in the city
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: tdindy88 on August 24, 2016, 09:11:57 PM
With the news today of another EF-3 tornado in Kokomo I can't help to think if we are going to have to go through a third generation of signage along the US 31 bypass.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on August 25, 2016, 12:49:14 PM
Quote from: tdindy88 on August 24, 2016, 09:11:57 PM
With the news today of another EF-3 tornado in Kokomo I can't help to think if we are going to have to go through a third generation of signage along the US 31 bypass.

signals are out along 931 as well. 
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on August 26, 2016, 10:09:08 AM
I'm pretty sure some signs were lost at the US 31 & Markland / SR 22 / US 35 interchange.  Tornado was a direct hit there.  It is ironic that no signs have lasted very long in that area.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on August 26, 2016, 03:06:26 PM
I went up to the Markland exit today.  The signs on the main route are okay up to the overpass, where I tuned off.  Down the exit ramp, they were messed up.  Tornado went right over the top of US 31 at the interchange.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on August 26, 2016, 07:19:57 PM
Quote from: monty on August 26, 2016, 03:06:26 PM
I went up to the Markland exit today.  The signs on the main route are okay up to the overpass, where I tuned off.  Down the exit ramp, they were messed up.  Tornado went right over the top of US 31 at the interchange.

I thought I saw one of the SR 26 BGSs on southbound US 31 was obliterated. Also one of the blue services signs going southbound right at the Markland Ave. interchange was gone. Finally, half of the "South US 31 Indianapolis" sign (on the cantilever) on Markland Ave is gone. There is debris along the side in at least two places and you can see damaged buildings and flattened crops from the road.

At least the SR 26 sign was victimized by a tornado this time instead of a light breeze.

I drove into Kokomo proper today, and damage in town is much worse than i thought it would be. It is amazing that the same subdivision and many of the same houses that were damaged or destroyed in 2013 had the same fate this week. In other areas, a lot of damage occurred across the street from buildings that were heavily damaged in the 2013 tornado. A lot of streets are blocked by State Police cars so you cannot even see much of the damage.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on August 26, 2016, 09:42:48 PM
I went back to Kokomo this evening. I too saw the SR 26 sign down approaching the southbound exit. There was a second tornado in that area and I saw some other evidence of it near SR26  There were 5 or 6 different funnel cloud / tornados in the Kokomo vicinity over the course of seven hours. The F3 twister was a big one.  It went at least six miles on the ground to the east of US 31.  Quite fortunate there were no serious injuries. So ironic that this one was just one block further north than the Nov 2013 event.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on September 07, 2016, 02:08:13 PM
I have observed that there are fresh survey stakes on US 31 between the Kokomo freeway and the Tipton / SR 28 interchange and I think also down to the SR 38 interchange.  Essentially the "un-upgraded portions of US 31 south of Kokomo to Indy metro. Anybody know what kind of a project or purpose they are for?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on September 07, 2016, 07:29:17 PM
Quote from: monty on September 07, 2016, 02:08:13 PM
I have observed that there are fresh survey stakes on US 31 between the Kokomo freeway and the Tipton / SR 28 interchange and I think also down to the SR 38 interchange.  Essentially the "un-upgraded portions of US 31 south of Kokomo to Indy metro. Anybody know what kind of a project or purpose they are for?

The only project I know of that's in the works right now is building a bridge over the RR tracks and Division Rd.  If it's going out that far, it could be something simple like a resurfacing job (Yes they even survey those sometimes)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on September 07, 2016, 10:23:11 PM
how is the 28 interchange coming along?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on September 08, 2016, 06:30:22 AM
Quote from: silverback1065 on September 07, 2016, 07:29:17 PM
Quote from: monty on September 07, 2016, 02:08:13 PM
I have observed that there are fresh survey stakes on US 31 between the Kokomo freeway and the Tipton / SR 28 interchange and I think also down to the SR 38 interchange.  Essentially the "un-upgraded portions of US 31 south of Kokomo to Indy metro. Anybody know what kind of a project or purpose they are for?

The only project I know of that's in the works right now is building a bridge over the RR tracks and Division Rd.  If it's going out that far, it could be something simple like a resurfacing job (Yes they even survey those sometimes)

These do not look like the normal resurfacing project survey stakes that you see in the median. These seem to alternate between the right and left sides and there are some fluorescent paint markings on the pavement at the stakes. I have no idea what they are for.

One thing INDOT could do is to buy properties that have driveway access to US 31 as they hit the market and then demolish them. I know they did that (to some extent) on one other road where an upgrade was planned.

As for tornado damage news, I counted four large signs gone/destroyed and one damaged on and around US 31. Two appear to be blue services signs right at Markland Ave. (SR 22 exit), one is a directional sign on the southbound ramp to Markland Ave., and the other is the one on the southbound side approaching SR 26.

Quote from: silverback1065 on September 07, 2016, 10:23:11 PM
how is the 28 interchange coming along?

Last I saw, the overpass beams were up and quite a bit of the earth moving has been done. It seeems to be on track for a late fall opening.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: 2trailertrucker on September 08, 2016, 08:34:30 AM
Quote from: silverback1065 on September 07, 2016, 10:23:11 PM
how is the 28 interchange coming along?

I drove up to South Bend last week at 2 in the morning. I noticed the transmission plant go right by me! No light on 31 at SR 28!!

I did notice a very long detour for those going on 28 from 31. Anyone know what the routing is in that?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on September 08, 2016, 08:36:50 AM
Quote from: 2trailertrucker on September 08, 2016, 08:34:30 AM
Quote from: silverback1065 on September 07, 2016, 10:23:11 PM
how is the 28 interchange coming along?

I drove up to South Bend last week at 2 in the morning. I noticed the transmission plant go right by me! No light on 31 at SR 28!!

I did notice a very long detour for those going on 28 from 31. Anyone know what the routing is in that?
State highway detours are usually awful because the detours are always using the nearest other state roads in the area.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on September 08, 2016, 08:50:06 AM
I did notice a very long detour for those going on 28 from 31. Anyone know what the routing is in that?
The SR 28 detour is on SR 19 north from Tipton to SR 26 and back west to US 31.  Most folks are using Division Road.

Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on September 08, 2016, 06:57:07 PM
Survey stakes are just between SR 28 interchange and SR 931 interchange.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on September 08, 2016, 07:05:24 PM
Quote from: monty on September 08, 2016, 06:57:07 PM
Survey stakes are just between SR 28 interchange and SR 931 interchange.

Then it might be the 2 bridges they want to build at division and the RR tracks
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on September 08, 2016, 08:48:35 PM
That's about a seven mile distance between those interchanges.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on September 08, 2016, 10:27:59 PM
Actually, it's over eight miles from SR 28 to SR 931. The RR bridge will be only about a mile from 28, so I think maybe they're looking at more than just the new bridges.  Could be just a paving job I guess. Of course I'd prefer a freeway upgrade.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on October 24, 2016, 03:32:04 PM
The SR 28 interchange is coming along nicely.  Asphalt is being laid now.  I still haven't determined the purpose of the survey between SR 28 and the Kokomo freeway segment in Tipton County (SR 28 to SR 931).
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: ysuindy on October 25, 2016, 04:48:43 PM
Aerial view (drone I presume) of the SR 28 interchange with 31.

Link is to a Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/derek.crownover/videos/pcb.10157580238565526/10157580230915526/?type=3&theater (https://www.facebook.com/derek.crownover/videos/pcb.10157580238565526/10157580230915526/?type=3&theater)
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on October 25, 2016, 09:01:00 PM
Today's Kokomo Tribune ran an article stating that the project is on schedule to be open by Thanksgiving - with the traditional caveat of "weather pending."  The INDOT publicity spokesman also stated that the RR bridge was "next" and hinted at more to come by stating the projects were part of an INDOT goal of a "stopless US31."  I read into this as J turns are coming to the remaining few stoplights on the Indy to South Bend corridor. I hope they are only interim solutions to a full freeway upgrade.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: amroad17 on October 26, 2016, 07:07:52 PM
Is it becoming more common that there must be roundabouts at interchanges?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: tdindy88 on October 26, 2016, 08:07:12 PM
I'm guessing the roundabouts are a carryover from the Hamilton County portion of US 31. Since this is the Kokomo Bypass thread, I would wager a guess that if that bypass would be built now the exits at SR 26, South Blvd and Touhy Pike (and maybe even SR 22 and US 35 north exits too) would have probably been turned into roundabout interchanges.

It is an interesting development to hear about the J-turn intersection proposals. In my opinion, the intersection of US 31 and 236th Street should be the next developed exit, the other intersections could get the J-turn proposal, but that's just me. Oh, and that bridge over the railroad tracks.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: hbelkins on October 26, 2016, 10:58:18 PM
Quote from: tdindy88 on October 26, 2016, 08:07:12 PM
I'm guessing the roundabouts are a carryover from the Hamilton County portion of US 31. Since this is the Kokomo Bypass thread, I would wager a guess that if that bypass would be built now the exits at SR 26, South Blvd and Touhy Pike (and maybe even SR 22 and US 35 north exits too) would have probably been turned into roundabout interchanges.

It is an interesting development to hear about the J-turn intersection proposals. In my opinion, the intersection of US 31 and 236th Street should be the next developed exit, the other intersections could get the J-turn proposal, but that's just me. Oh, and that bridge over the railroad tracks.

J-turns are becoming much more popular in a lot of states. Even in places with wide medians and plenty of storage for vehicles to cross two lanes, stop in the median and then proceed across the next two lanes or turn left, they're being utilized. I saw a presentation at TransComm on how one's being worked on for US 61 in Missouri. And there are a bunch on US 301 on the peninsula in Maryland.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: mukade on October 27, 2016, 05:53:31 AM
Quote from: monty on October 25, 2016, 09:01:00 PM
Today's Kokomo Tribune ran an article stating that the project is on schedule to be open by Thanksgiving - with the traditional caveat of "weather pending."  The INDOT publicity spokesman also stated that the RR bridge was "next" and hinted at more to come by stating the projects were part of an INDOT goal of a "stopless US31."  I read into this as J turns are coming to the remaining few stoplights on the Indy to South Bend corridor. I hope they are only interim solutions to a full freeway upgrade.

They need to start getting rid of some of those driveways in Tipton County as well. Becoming a high speed highway with no traffic lights for 150 miles will mean that school buses stopping at these houses will have more danger than on the stop and go road it is today.

I agree putting at interchange at 236th Street should be the next bigger project, but it would be nice to see one new interchange in Miami County (probably SR 18).
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on October 27, 2016, 11:06:15 AM
Quote from: amroad17 on October 26, 2016, 07:07:52 PM
Is it becoming more common that there must be roundabouts at interchanges?

it's indot's new policy to always investigate alternative intersection designs first. that's why you are seeing more double reverses, roundabouts, SPUIs, and j-turns.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: hbelkins on November 10, 2016, 09:59:02 PM
Said it elsewhere many times, but will say it again. After having driven US 31 from Indy to South Bend today, I state for the record that upgrading the route to a full freeway is a total and complete waste of money. There are probably fewer than 10 traffic lights along the route, traffic flows very well, and there wasn't much traffic at all north of Kokomo.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on November 21, 2016, 08:57:11 PM
SR 28 interchange at Tipton will open Tuesday Nov 22. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/INDOT/bulletins/1740a7d
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: tdindy88 on November 27, 2016, 10:36:08 PM
I traveled up to Kokomo this morning and got to see the new exit at SR 28. I still think the roundabout design, especially on the eastern half is a little weird, as it can be easy to confuse which way you're coming in but I guess time will tell whether or not people understand it all. Going east from SR 28 onto US 31 north for instance, you have to get it just right to go north onto the freeway and not accidentally turn into the parking lot for the Chrysler plant.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1030.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy361%2Fthomasj88%2FIMG_3855_zpsty621lce.jpg&hash=23c61217cfcc92fbf44f778211bbd3727d7158b5) (http://s1030.photobucket.com/user/thomasj88/media/IMG_3855_zpsty621lce.jpg.html)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1030.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy361%2Fthomasj88%2FIMG_3857_zpsnaxyyvmj.jpg&hash=9a1e6666f6f0edac242d132b0982fc69e2c747a9) (http://s1030.photobucket.com/user/thomasj88/media/IMG_3857_zpsnaxyyvmj.jpg.html)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1030.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy361%2Fthomasj88%2FIMG_3862_zpsnqqfr7uu.jpg&hash=805030b7f8d3bc774b6279e6565283391f87ecca) (http://s1030.photobucket.com/user/thomasj88/media/IMG_3862_zpsnqqfr7uu.jpg.html)

Still, traffic wasn't too bad at the exit and driving through there was nice. But I then had to stop for nearly two minutes at Division Road for a car that had already turned north onto US 31. Now I see where those bridge plans are a good idea.

On one other note, I saw that SR 28 is indeed signed Exit 148. If we are going to go ahead and number the exits that aren't directed to individual freeway segments, then why not just give the other two remaining exits their numbers as well. Based on INDOT's Interchange Book, US 24 would then be Exit 191 A-B and SR 25 would be Exit 212. Just a thought.
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: JREwing78 on December 04, 2016, 01:35:43 AM
They weren't exactly generous with the width of the overpass. You *might* be able to jam 3 lanes of traffic through the northbound side, but you wouldn't have much shoulder width.

Would it be a problem within the next 50 years? Probably not. But how much more money would a 24-foot longer bridge cost?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on December 04, 2016, 10:43:04 AM
Quote from: JREwing78 on December 04, 2016, 01:35:43 AM
They weren't exactly generous with the width of the overpass. You *might* be able to jam 3 lanes of traffic through the northbound side, but you wouldn't have much shoulder width.

Would it be a problem within the next 50 years? Probably not. But how much more money would a 24-foot longer bridge cost?

i doubt they'll ever widen it, it's weird that there's no extra lane opening for the exit ramp
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: silverback1065 on December 08, 2016, 09:32:43 PM
How does sr 931 traffic compare now to before the bypass?
Title: Re: IN US 31 Kokomo Bypass Upgrade Report
Post by: monty on January 16, 2017, 11:08:24 AM
Quote from: silverback1065 on December 04, 2016, 10:43:04 AM
Quote from: JREwing78 on December 04, 2016, 01:35:43 AM
They weren't exactly generous with the width of the overpass. You *might* be able to jam 3 lanes of traffic through the northbound side, but you wouldn't have much shoulder width.

Would it be a problem within the next 50 years? Probably not. But how much more money would a 24-foot longer bridge cost?

i doubt they'll ever widen it, it's weird that there's no extra lane opening for the exit ramp

This project was subjected to a lot of "cost saving" trimming by INDOT compared to the original selected option by the tune of about $9 M.  For example the project was condensed to avoid the need to expand / replace the US 31 bridges over the open ditch immediately south of the project, which impacted the shortening of the exit lane from northbound US 31 to SR 28.  SR 28 was also to be built to a four lane width (two lanes each direction) through the roundabouts (but were only to be marked as single lanes).

I think the finished project is pretty good and flows well.  In the future, some of the trimming of the project may have to be dealt with or modified if traffic levels increase.   Perhaps when the northbound lanes bridge over the open ditch needs re-decking, the exit lane will be established.

On another note, there seems to be (soil?) sampling activity in preparation for the nearby NSRR overpass.  I never have learned what the surveying work performed this summer between SR 28 and the Kokomo freeway was for.  I keep looking for indications for improvements at Division Road, but none have been forthcoming.