I-70 construction stretches 5 counties

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The Indiana Department of Transportation says that construction is underway in five counties spanning from the Indiana/Illinois state line to Plainfield on Interstate 70. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in several areas along this route. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes.

Wabash Valley Asphalt was awarded the asphalt resurfacing and bridge deck replacement project for $5.29 million. This contract will resurface the interstate from the state line to just west of the Wabash River Bridge. It also includes replacing the deck and widening both the eastbound and westbound bridges over Southlake Road, located nearly 3 miles west of US 41.

This project is scheduled for completion in May of 2012. Currently, traffic is restricted to one lane in each direction in the eastbound lanes between Darwin Road, near mile marker 3 to the Wabash River Bridge near mile marker 5.

The second project on I-70 is a patch and rehabilitation project from the Wabash River Bridge to State Road 59 (S.R. 59). This project was awarded to Wabash Valley Asphalt for $4.3 million. The project is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 6. This project will have the interstate down to one lane in a four-mile work zone in both directions 24 hours a day Sunday at 9 p.m. until Friday at noon.

Milestone Contractors L.P. was awarded the next project for $27.9 million. This is a patch and rehabilitation project on I-70 from S.R.59 to State Road 267. This project may have three separate five mile one lane restrictions in both the eastbound and westbound lanes continuously. The patching portion of this project is scheduled to be completed in late November of this year and finish next year with permanent pavement markings and grass seeding in May of 2012.

INDOT is encouraging motorists to seek alternate routes.

INDOT reminds drivers to use caution and consider worker safety when driving through a construction zone. For the latest news and information about INDOT, please visit www.in.gov/indot or www.trafficwise.IN.gov .