I-70 West Bridge Construction Near Richmond Begins Sept. 8

RICHMOND, IN — If you're planning on traveling through I-70 West this weekend, Indiana State Police reports a bridge construction project will begin Friday, Sept. 8 at 9 p.m., reducing traffic near the Ohio state line at mile marker 155 (between U.S. 40 Exit 156 and State Road 227 Exit 153) to a single lane. Due to the project, Walsh Construction Company will divert the lane across the median for up to 13 days, ISP reports. The company will be demolishing the bridge, sliding a new bridge deck into place, and rebuilding and paving the pavement approaches to the bridge, according to a release.

ISP reports one lane of I-70 West will cross the median, sharing the eastbound side of the interstate, with opposing directions of traffic separated by temporary concrete barriers.

To minimize the already expected traffic backups, officials advise motorists with local destinations to seek alternate routes during the 13-day period. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Indianapolis Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts and LIKE Indianapolis Patch on Facebook).

Other notes from ISP:

• A signed alternate route will encourage motorists, especially those driving large trucks and oversize loads, to bypass the construction project by going north on Ohio Route 127, west on U.S. 36 and back south to I-70 on U.S. 27.
• Interstate travelers are discouraged from exiting at the 156 mm and traveling through Richmond.
• Local travelers can expect heavier than normal traffic on routes such as U.S. 40 and U.S. 27 during the project and should seek local alternate routes.