Drivers in southern Indiana are dealing with heavy traffic during rush hour on U.S. 31 in Sellersburg due to a construction project that began in February and runs from Prather Street to the front of Silver Creek High School.
SELLERSBURG, Ind. (WDRB) — Drivers in southern Indiana say construction has caused hours of gridlock on U.S. 31 in Sellersburg during peak travel times.
The project, which started in February, stretches from Prather Street to near Silver Creek High School.
Crews plan to install timed traffic signals, widen roads, add turning lanes, and build new sidewalks, lighting, and drainage systems.
Residents nearby said it now takes about 25 minutes to travel just 2.5 miles during rush hour, and using backroads feels unsafe.
“3:30 here is so loud, people are roaring out of here, they’re peeling wheels, everyone’s music is loud. It is an absolute nightmare, and people are turning into really grumpy neighbors,” said one resident who asked to remain anonymous.
The resident said drivers are using the road next to her home as a detour from U.S. 31 while trying to reach Interstate 65. She added that a warehouse built near her home years ago has also increased disruptions.
“The insane amount of traffic that having all these employees here has caused on top of completely undoing the infrastructure,” she said.
She said she has raised concerns with town council members but feels ignored.
Sellersburg Councilman Terry Langford said plans are in place to build a sound barrier between the warehouse and nearby homes, though the process will take time. He added that the traffic issues were expected since the project has been planned for years.
“When it’s a finished project, it’s going to be very nice so if everyone can just deal with it for a little bit,” Langford said. “If they can find some alternate ways around town in the meantime, I encourage you to do so.”
Langford said officials have installed signs to guide drivers to local businesses and added temporary traffic lights to help reduce congestion.
“We have gone above and beyond to do things to make it as easy as possible,” Langford said.
The resident said she still feels her concerns are not being taken seriously.
“I just want to be heard honestly like any other person on this planet, any sort of validation would be nice,” she said.
The three-phase project is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving.
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