I-69 backups for C. Ind. ramp project arrive early

FISHERS, Ind. — The warm spring has meant an early start for construction zone restrictions that have led to big traffic backups in central Indiana’s most-congested highway stretch.

Crews have reduced Interstate 69’s northbound exit ramp to 116th Street in Fishers to one lane. That’s caused long traffic lines toward I-465 about five miles south.

State highway department spokesman Nathan Riggs tells The Indianapolis Star that the contractor is ahead of schedule and decided not to wait until June to start the ramp work. The project is adding lanes and wider shoulders and is expected to be finished by November.

Joseph Shelton of Pendleton says the drive home from his office at Castleton Square Mall has gone from 25 minutes to about 45 minutes.