U.S. 31 road construction project begins in Westfield

WESTFIELD, Ind. (WISH) — Drivers who travel through Hamilton County, should expect a new detour beginning Saturday. It’s part of the U.S. 31 Road Construction project underway in Westfield.

The Indianapolis Department of Transportation is shifting travel lanes on U.S. 31 between 169th street and State Road 38. Traffic on the east side, will be shifted to new pavement on the west side.

Down the road, this means a smoother commute for the city and state, but right now, it’s causing problems for local business.

“We’ve owned the real estate, my partners and myself, for about 19 years,” said Jim Pickering, a partner of Park Street Pub. “I know they’re trying to do their job, but it’s affecting business. People can’t find the place, people don’t know which exit to get off of.”

Down the street, one business makes a living off selling cars. But now, they’re worried cars won’t be able to find them.

“The challenge for us will be we’ll lose our access,” said Jeff Roush, General Manager of Tom Roush Lincoln and Mazda. “Right now we have the beauty of stop light in my front yard. There’s nothing better than that, let me tell you. Replaced by a potential horror story of having no access.”

They hope the final outcome is worth it.

“Certainly when the roads all done, a year-and-a-half from now, we may be saying this is the greatest things since sliced bread,” said Roush. “But, the challenge will be that time of construction, for sure.”

“We’re still here, we’re not going anywhere,” said Pickering. “We welcome anyone to come in, including the boys from the state.”

Once the new traffic pattern begins, there will be no access to U.S. 31 from 169th Street or 181st Street.

Also, 191st street will close at U.S. 31, and stay closed until a new interchange is completed.

For more on changes that will take place Saturday, click here.