Indiana Notes

[ysuindy]

on a different note, i fear the new 106th st interchange will seriously fuck up traffic on 69/37.  I hope they force traffic trying to go north on 69 to stay in the c/d to 116th and 37.

Looking at the project diagram it shows a solid white line separating the traffic bound for 116th starting prior to the merge of the 106th entering traffic.  So I'd say yes on your c/d question.

https://secure.in.gov/indot/files/GFD_ProjectLocationMap.pdf

Looks like they are getting close to opening the 106th Street exit on I-69.  I drove through tonight and all the barriers along 69 seem to have been removed.  I came through about 8:00 p.m. so very dark and I may have missed a few.

iAs noted, It looks like there will be no barrier to stop you from entering northbound off 106th street and directly moving over to the northbound 69 lanes, although traffic will likely prevent that.  The overhead signs at the start the c/d of exit 205 include one lane marked as North 37 TO I-69 North.  I would guess there will be a rash of near misses (and quite a few not misses) until motorists get used to the setup.  I will have my head on a swivel moving through there.

I just reworked the northbound ramp connection on Google Maps to make it clear that northbound traffic entering from 106th must  stay on the c/d and not enter directly into I69.   At least that way navigation directions shouldn't contribute to a potential problem.  (Changes published in mapmaker, won't show up on the public map til tomorrow.)

Saw the set up a little better in the daylight this morning as I was on 69 Southbound. .  Starting just before the 106th northbound entrance ramp reaches I-69, the two right lanes on 69 North are separated by a double white line - looks to be maybe a foot apart.  The two overhead gantries each have a square white sign that says "Do Not Cross Double White Line".  There is one just past 106th and one further down near the 116th Street exit.

I let myself drift in to the double white lines tonight on my way home.  There are rumble strips between the white lines.

[silverback1065]

it's scheduled to be open today i think, INDOT says it has a "major" announcement today.

[silverback1065]

it's open

[cjw2001]

it's open

The segments on google maps have been changed from "closed for maint" to "completed".

The northbound exit ramp still shows up as "closed" on traffic view, but that's old data from the ramp I removed and reworked last week.   The traffic view data will eventually catch up the next time an export happens.   For navigation purposes it should be fine.  (Update: Just tested, navigation is working correctly).

[ysuindy]

I use 69 each day for my commute to downtown Indy.  I have to say this project had the least impact on my commute of any of the multitude of projects on 69/465/70 over the 20 years I've lived here.

Part of it, I'm sure, is that for the most part the addition of the fourth lane in each direction on 69 has significantly eased congestion during a normal rush hour without accidents.  For the most part any delays I have on my commute now occur on 70 instead of 69.

But still, kudos to all involved in the construction.  Decided tonight to wait until the weekend when I can use the new interchange during daylight to check things out. 

[silverback1065]

the new exit is nice, here are my thoughts on it:

it's really nice, the roundabout makes for high speeds to get through.

worried that wb 106th ramp to nb c/d ramp will cause weaving issues for travelers trying to get to 116th from 69/37.

didn't drive the ramps to and from sb 69.

they don't mention 37 at all on 106th st, which is weird since it is on 82nd, 96th, and 116th.

they painted a US 37 shield on 69, i don't know how they allowed that to happen.

very minor error, but the ped xing sign arrows are pointing in the wrong direction at the xwalks. 

i'm not sure i believe the idea that this will make traffic better, sounds like pr bs, we'll see.

[silverback1065]

random thought, why did the state rename sr 35 to 135 when us 35 was routed into the state, but sr 64, 65, 69, and 70 still exist?

[US 41]

random thought, why did the state rename sr 35 to 135 when us 35 was routed into the state, but sr 64, 65, 69, and 70 still exist?

They probably figured no one was going to confuse interstate highways with 2 lane state routes, but someone might confuse a 2 lane state route with another two lane US route of the same number. That's my guess.

[NWI_Irish96]

random thought, why did the state rename sr 35 to 135 when us 35 was routed into the state, but sr 64, 65, 69, and 70 still exist?

They probably figured no one was going to confuse interstate highways with 2 lane state routes, but someone might confuse a 2 lane state route with another two lane US route of the same number. That's my guess.

That was probably the thought process, but let me tell you from experience that it can get confusing when you have to tell somebody to take 64 to 64 as part of the directions.

[tdindy88]

If I understand correctly, SR 35 became SR 135 in 1935 well before interstates became a thing. I think the state always had a policy of not repeating state and U.S. highway numbers but by the time the interstates were being built (with their own nationally-designated numbers) it was deemed too much to change the numbers of several state highways. Changing the name of a long state highway (such as SR 64) would probably be deemed a waste of time and money now.

[ysuindy]

they painted a US 37 shield on 69, i don't know how they allowed that to happen.

In fact they painted four US 37 shields on 69.  Two sets of two, one before the 106th ramp, one after.

[ysuindy]

If I understand correctly, SR 35 became SR 135 in 1935 well before interstates became a thing. I think the state always had a policy of not repeating state and U.S. highway numbers but by the time the interstates were being built (with their own nationally-designated numbers) it was deemed too much to change the numbers of several state highways. Changing the name of a long state highway (such as SR 64) would probably be deemed a waste of time and money now.

Ohio Route 90 used to run through my home town (it ran from Petersburg north to Lake Erie, through downtown Youngstown.  When I-90 came to Ohio (before I was born), they removed the Ohio 90 designation and extended Ohio 170 north from Petersburg (a small section heading southeast to Pennsylvania became an extension of Ohio 617).  Later, Ohio 170 north of Youngstown became Ohio 193.

[silverback1065]

they painted a US 37 shield on 69, i don't know how they allowed that to happen.

In fact they painted four US 37 shields on 69.  Two sets of two, one before the 106th ramp, one after.

careless contractor and inspector 

[pianocello]

New signs displaying the Lincoln Highway around Valparaiso:



This was eastbound on Penna Hill Dr, and it notes the Lincoln Highway turning south onto Sturdy Rd and east on Comeford Rd towards US 30 (map). Funnily enough, I had no idea Penna Hill Rd was part of the route. From downtown Valpo, I always thought it took Lincolnway->Garfield->LaPorte->Sturdy after it was rerouted from South Bend.

[cjw2001]

on a different note, i fear the new 106th st interchange will seriously fuck up traffic on 69/37.  I hope they force traffic trying to go north on 69 to stay in the c/d to 116th and 37.

Looking at the project diagram it shows a solid white line separating the traffic bound for 116th starting prior to the merge of the 106th entering traffic.  So I'd say yes on your c/d question.

https://secure.in.gov/indot/files/GFD_ProjectLocationMap.pdf

Looks like they are getting close to opening the 106th Street exit on I-69.  I drove through tonight and all the barriers along 69 seem to have been removed.  I came through about 8:00 p.m. so very dark and I may have missed a few.

iAs noted, It looks like there will be no barrier to stop you from entering northbound off 106th street and directly moving over to the northbound 69 lanes, although traffic will likely prevent that.  The overhead signs at the start the c/d of exit 205 include one lane marked as North 37 TO I-69 North.  I would guess there will be a rash of near misses (and quite a few not misses) until motorists get used to the setup.  I will have my head on a swivel moving through there.

I just reworked the northbound ramp connection on Google Maps to make it clear that northbound traffic entering from 106th must  stay on the c/d and not enter directly into I69.   At least that way navigation directions shouldn't contribute to a potential problem.  (Changes published in mapmaker, won't show up on the public map til tomorrow.)

Saw the set up a little better in the daylight this morning as I was on 69 Southbound. .  Starting just before the 106th northbound entrance ramp reaches I-69, the two right lanes on 69 North are separated by a double white line - looks to be maybe a foot apart.  The two overhead gantries each have a square white sign that says "Do Not Cross Double White Line".  There is one just past 106th and one further down near the 116th Street exit.

For those that are using this regularly, how is traffic compliance with the new setup?   Are people staying where they should or are lots of people crossing the double white line barrier?

[ysuindy]

on a different note, i fear the new 106th st interchange will seriously fuck up traffic on 69/37.  I hope they force traffic trying to go north on 69 to stay in the c/d to 116th and 37.

Looking at the project diagram it shows a solid white line separating the traffic bound for 116th starting prior to the merge of the 106th entering traffic.  So I'd say yes on your c/d question.

https://secure.in.gov/indot/files/GFD_ProjectLocationMap.pdf

Looks like they are getting close to opening the 106th Street exit on I-69.  I drove through tonight and all the barriers along 69 seem to have been removed.  I came through about 8:00 p.m. so very dark and I may have missed a few.

iAs noted, It looks like there will be no barrier to stop you from entering northbound off 106th street and directly moving over to the northbound 69 lanes, although traffic will likely prevent that.  The overhead signs at the start the c/d of exit 205 include one lane marked as North 37 TO I-69 North.  I would guess there will be a rash of near misses (and quite a few not misses) until motorists get used to the setup.  I will have my head on a swivel moving through there.

I just reworked the northbound ramp connection on Google Maps to make it clear that northbound traffic entering from 106th must  stay on the c/d and not enter directly into I69.   At least that way navigation directions shouldn't contribute to a potential problem.  (Changes published in mapmaker, won't show up on the public map til tomorrow.)

Saw the set up a little better in the daylight this morning as I was on 69 Southbound. .  Starting just before the 106th northbound entrance ramp reaches I-69, the two right lanes on 69 North are separated by a double white line - looks to be maybe a foot apart.  The two overhead gantries each have a square white sign that says "Do Not Cross Double White Line".  There is one just past 106th and one further down near the 116th Street exit.

For those that are using this regularly, how is traffic compliance with the new setup?   Are people staying where they should or are lots of people crossing the double white line barrier?

I go through there every night on my way home from work.  Granted I'm usually there between 6:30 and 7:00, after the rush hour.

I've seen no issues - everyone staying where they should be.  That being said, I haven't seen that many people coming down the ramp.  I think until IKEA open later next year, a considerable majority of the traffic at this exit (maybe 80% plus) will be exiting while Northbound and entering Southbound.  Right now this interchange serves the handful of office buildings to the south of the exit and a lot of residential neighborhoods both east and west.  I think it is reasonable to assume most access to here will be to and from Indianapolis.

I would think once IKEA opens and you have an influx of people not from the area and not familiar with the traffic pattern, you will likely have some issues with people not following the rules.

[silverback1065]

this p3 has been a nightmare http://www.theindychannel.com/news/local-news/i-69-from-bloomington-to-martinsville-is-nearly-a-year-behind-schedule
this company just plain sucks.

[silverback1065]

random thought, why did the state rename sr 35 to 135 when us 35 was routed into the state, but sr 64, 65, 69, and 70 still exist?

They probably figured no one was going to confuse interstate highways with 2 lane state routes, but someone might confuse a 2 lane state route with another two lane US route of the same number. That's my guess.

this sound anger you US 41, but I'm sure you've heard about the McDaniel road bridge wall collapsing, the road is now closed and a fix isn't going to be easy
http://www.mywabashvalley.com/news/sr-641-east-of-41-closed-along-with-part-of-mcdaniel-road/631911452
here's the bridge in question: https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3993545,-87.3765962,3a,75y,114.69h,81.34t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sj8I7iKakKudZN_AUBWITBA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3Dj8I7iKakKudZN_AUBWITBA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dsearch.TACTILE.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D392%26h%3D106%26yaw%3D98.55383%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656

[US 41]

random thought, why did the state rename sr 35 to 135 when us 35 was routed into the state, but sr 64, 65, 69, and 70 still exist?

They probably figured no one was going to confuse interstate highways with 2 lane state routes, but someone might confuse a 2 lane state route with another two lane US route of the same number. That's my guess.

this sound anger you US 41, but I'm sure you've heard about the McDaniel road bridge wall collapsing, the road is now closed and a fix isn't going to be easy
http://www.mywabashvalley.com/news/sr-641-east-of-41-closed-along-with-part-of-mcdaniel-road/631911452
here's the bridge in question: https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3993545,-87.3765962,3a,75y,114.69h,81.34t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sj8I7iKakKudZN_AUBWITBA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3Dj8I7iKakKudZN_AUBWITBA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dsearch.TACTILE.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D392%26h%3D106%26yaw%3D98.55383%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656

This project gets more ridiculous by the day.

The good news is at least it wasn't on SR 641 itself. Within the next month or so they should still be able to open SR 641 from 41 to 70. They'll just have to close the McDaniel Rd interchange for a while.

The bad news is who knows how long it will take for them to actually fix the bridge on McDaniel Rd.

I'll have to drive down there and check it out today.

[silverback1065]

random thought, why did the state rename sr 35 to 135 when us 35 was routed into the state, but sr 64, 65, 69, and 70 still exist?

They probably figured no one was going to confuse interstate highways with 2 lane state routes, but someone might confuse a 2 lane state route with another two lane US route of the same number. That's my guess.

this sound anger you US 41, but I'm sure you've heard about the McDaniel road bridge wall collapsing, the road is now closed and a fix isn't going to be easy
http://www.mywabashvalley.com/news/sr-641-east-of-41-closed-along-with-part-of-mcdaniel-road/631911452
here's the bridge in question: https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3993545,-87.3765962,3a,75y,114.69h,81.34t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sj8I7iKakKudZN_AUBWITBA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3Dj8I7iKakKudZN_AUBWITBA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dsearch.TACTILE.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D392%26h%3D106%26yaw%3D98.55383%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656

This project gets more ridiculous by the day.

The good news is at least it wasn't on SR 641 itself. Within the next month or so they should still be able to open SR 641 from 41 to 70. They'll just have to close the McDaniel Rd interchange for a while.

The bad news is who knows how long it will take for them to actually fix the bridge on McDaniel Rd.

I'll have to drive down there and check it out today.

it may take a while, i think the ownership of the road is in question at this point.  it's supposed to be a county road, but i don't think vigo co has taken ownership of it yet, so it's sort of a state road i guess? 

[US 41]

I'm pretty sure INDOT built it, and with the bridge being so new I think it is only right that they fix it as well.

Here's a photo I took about an hour ago. It will definitely be closed for a while.

[silverback1065]

465 closed for the next week at us 36 http://www.wthr.com/article/semi-crashes-into-rockville-rd-overpass-at-i-465
semi driver fucked the bridge up really bad.  i think WEEKS not just a week. US 36 for far longer.

[cjw2001]

Rockville Road (US 36) is already open with one lane each direction on the undamaged half of the bridge.

Northbound 465 has no ETA for being reopened.   Looks like demo work has already started on the damaged portion of the bridge based on traffic camera video from the state traffic web site.

[bmeiser]

A/O 9:18 this morning.

[hbelkins]

Looks worse than it actually is in terms of repairs. If the prestressed concrete beams are of a standard size, it should not be a big issue to get new ones set and then pour a new deck. Probably could be done within a month if weather permits.