Some slight changes at one of Interstate 69’s busiest interchanges are intended to smooth traffic flow, but drivers should be patient as everyone gets used to the new setup.
Q. When turning south from Dupont onto I-69 they have widened the ramp and put lines for cars turning both left and right: There is a solid line, then a dotted line, then nothing. Who has the right of way? – Pat Trainer
A. Pat, I hope you’ve noticed things are a bit clearer now at that interchange.
Toni Mayo, spokeswoman for the Indiana Department of Transportation, said two “Left Lane Ends” signs were posted on the southwest ramp of I-69 and Dupont. This means that motorists turning left onto the ramp from Dupont – those from the east – eventually have to yield to drivers coming from the west onto the ramp.
As part of the project to add a lane on the southbound ramp, the state added a green right-turn arrow for eastbound traffic. This is intended to keep those cars heading south moving continuously, but expect an adjustment period. My trip to the area early this week showed many drivers stopping for the green arrow, prompting others to take full advantage of their horns.
I encourage drivers to show some patience in this area as others become familiar with the new layout.
This fix is temporary as the state will overhaul the interchange in the next few years. The state will convert it to a diverging diamond system, where drivers go on the left side of the road. The project is to be constructed after the state finishes the I-69 interchange at Union Chapel Road, which is scheduled to occur next year.
Dupont delays
Even with the new ramp lane and turn arrow, drivers might want to avoid the area around the Dupont interchange for the next few weeks. The city closed the south curb lane for eastbound traffic on Dupont from Auburn Road to the interstate. The restriction is from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for about three weeks, weather permitting. The closure is for the construction of a pedestrian trail along the south side of Dupont.
Interstate restrictions
Drivers on Interstate 469 should expect some delays over the next few weeks. The Indiana Department of Transportation is working on the I-469 bridge over I-69, located between exits zero and 1 on the south end of the Ronald Reagan Expressway. The left lanes in each direction were to be closed Fridays as crews work on standard bridge maintenance. The work is set to be done by mid-August.
Radio Sage
This week’s audio question comes from Sam Tash, who asks about the inconsistent reaction from drivers around funeral processions. I tackle this question first on WOWO Friday afternoon and online at www.journalgazette.net/roadsage.
