A portion of Oak Hill Road, from Pigeon Creek to Lake Drive, is now closed to thru traffic due to construction on the next segment of the city’s first “Complete Street” project. Information about the scope of the project, construction schedule, contacts and more are available online at www.oakhillroadreconstruction.com.

The contractor, Ragle, Inc., started work Thursday on phase one of an 80 percent federally funded overhaul of Oak Hill Road from Morgan Avenue to Lynch Road. Access to side streets and adjacent properties will be maintained, and thru traffic will be detoured around the Oak Hill Road closure using Morgan Avenue, U.S. 41, and Lynch Road. The project is estimated to cost more than $4.8 million and is set for completion in July 2014.

“The greatest singular improvement to traffic will be the construction of a dedicated, two-way, continuous left-turn lane in the middle of the road. With the addition of this lane, through traffic will not have to stop for left-turning vehicles,” said City Engineer Pat Keepes. “Other aspects of the project include complete removal and replacement of the pavement; construction of sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and storm sewers; and dedicated bicycle lanes to create a “Complete Street.” The completed project will result in a safer and more efficient Oak Hill Road.

Questions about the construction work may be directed to the project field office at (812) 471-9434. For your convenience, the website at www.oakhillroadreconstruction.com will be updated as detour routes change.

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