Mayor Green: Downtown Infrastructure Updates
Date 3/13/2024
Major infrastructure improvements are continuing in downtown Salem. “I want to update the residents of our city on the changes that are ongoing,” said Mayor Justin Green. “I also want to express appreciation for their patience and understanding while the much needed improvements continue.”
The Main Street construction that began last year continues on schedule with an anticipated completion date June of 2024. This upgrade to Main Street was the result of being awarded a Federal Highway grant issued through INDOT.
The emphasis now is on the square, which has a multi-pronged approach:
- Pedestrian islands will be constructed to meet federal requirements.
- Parking islands will be redesigned for smoother parking and driving.
- Ramps will be adjusted as needed to meet ADA specifications.
- Crosswalks will be redesigned and feature an improved appearance at the four gates.
- Landscape and streetscape improvements will be made for an enhanced appearance.
“These improvements will not only enhance the appearance of our beautiful square, but its function as well,” said Mayor Green. “All the changes have been designed to accommodate both regular motorists as well as commercial traffic, including 50-foot semi traffic.”
The estimated date for completion of the Salem square improvements is summer of 2024.
HWY 56W INDOT Project Remains on Schedule
Date 4/21/2023
A major road project impacting Salem is well past the halfway point, said Mayor Justin Green. However, a few more months of construction remain, and Mayor Green is asking for motorists’ continued patience during this time.
“I know it is a headache to deal with maneuvering around road and lane closures while construction is underway,” said Mayor Green. “However, it’s important that everyone continue doing so for the safety of all involved.”
The $13.2 million state reconstruction project is being completed by Milestone Contractors LP. It involves both utility relocations and road reconstruction.
The project began in March 2022 and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2023.
This portion of the project involves utility relocations followed by reconstruction work. Nearly 1.5 miles of SR 56 is being reconstructed in sections between SR 60 and SR 135.
“This is a major and much-needed project,” said Mayor Green. “I truly appreciate the understanding and cooperation of the local business community and residents while construction continues. This will be a great improvement for our city.”
Highway 56 Discussions
Date 4/16/2023
After much discussion with INDOT officials, I have asked many times to have some additional access to HWY 56W. These discussions have been pushing to find a way to at least have local motorists some options. With the progress being made, INDOT has agreed to my request. The stoplight intersection to Shelby St. can now be accessed for local traffic. This is not for commercial, heavy traffic. Final top-coat pavement will still need to be laid at a later date.
- Mayor Green
Update: Work continues on S.R. 56 near Salem
Date 3/9/2023
Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Milestone Contractors LP plans to begin work tomorrow, March 10 for the removal of asphalt pavement on S.R. 56 from east of the intersection of S.R. 60 to west of Tarr Ave.
The roadway will remain closed, but contractors will work with local businesses and residents to maintain access during these operations. There could be disruption in access for limited time durations.
Thru traffic will remain detoured onto S.R. 135 and U.S. 150 through Palmyra and Paoli. Motorists should expect delays in the area.
This $13.2 million roadway project in Salem is expected to be complete in the fall of 2023. More information about the project can be found here.
Drivers are reminded to slow down, use extra caution, and drive distraction-free in and near construction zones. All work is weather dependent, and schedules are subject to change.
S.R. 56 Closure Expands Next Week in Salem
Date: 6/16/2022
Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Milestone Contractors LP plans to extend the current closure of S.R. 56 in Salem next week to continue work on a $13.2 million roadway reconstruction project that began in March.
On or after Monday, June 20, the S.R. 56 closure will extend further west, to begin at the intersection of Cauble Street and end at S.R. 135. The current closure begins at Harrison Street. The new closure will allow crews to reconstruct the roadway and complete drainage work under the pavement.
Crews are also active at the S.R. 56 bridge over Brock Creek, which is being replaced as part of the reconstruction project, in addition to the intersection of S.R. 135. The intersection closed late last month for storm drain installation, and pavement and curb replacement. The official detour continues to follow I-65 at Scottsburg (Exit 29) to S.R. 250 at Uniontown (Exit 41). State Road 135 is currently expected to reopen at S.R. 56 in late June.
The contract was awarded to Milestone last December for a total of $13,292,500. Drivers are reminded to slow down, use extra caution, and drive distraction-free in and near construction zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.
Additional information about the project can be found here.
Intersection of S.R. 135, S.R. 56 to close May 31 in Salem
Date 5/4/2022
Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Milestone Contractors LP plans to close the intersection of S.R. 135 and S.R. 56 in Salem on or after Tuesday, May 31, to continue work on a $13.2 million roadway reconstruction project that began in March.
Following the Memorial Day holiday, the intersection will close for up to 30 days as crews install storm drains and reconstruct the pavement and curb ramps in the area. The official detour for the intersection closure is I-65 at Scottsburg (Exit 29) to S.R. 250 at Uniontown (Exit 41).
State Road 56 remains closed between S.R. 135 and Harrison Street for pavement reconstruction. Replacing the bridge over Brock Creek is also planned. By the end of the contract, nearly a mile and a half of pavement on S.R. 56 will be replaced between S.R. 60 and S.R. 135. The reconstruction portion of the project is scheduled to be complete in fall of 2023.
Patching, milling and paving is also scheduled this year on a short section of S.R. 135, north of S.R. 56. State Road 135 will remain open to traffic throughout the paving project, but with lane closures and flagging. The completion date for resurfacing on S.R. 135 is in late June 2022.
The contract was awarded to Milestone last December for a total of $13,292,500. Drivers are reminded to slow down, use extra caution, and drive distraction-free in and near construction zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.
Additional information about the project can be found here.
S.R. 56 to close this month for $13.2 million reconstruction project in Salem
Date 3/2/2022
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ind.— Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Milestone Contractors LP plans to close S.R. 56 in Salem on or after Monday, March 14, to begin work on a $13.2 million roadway reconstruction project that also includes a bridge replacement over Brock Creek and asphalt resurfacing on S.R. 135.
In mid-March, S.R. 56 will close between S.R. 135 (Main Street) and Harrison Street in Salem for utility relocations, followed by reconstruction work. Nearly a mile and a half of S.R. 56 will be reconstructed in sections between S.R. 60 and S.R. 135. Traffic will be detoured onto S.R. 135 and U.S. 150 through Palmyra and Paoli. Local access will be maintained. The reconstruction portion of the project is scheduled to be complete in fall of 2023.
Later this spring or early summer, construction will begin to replace the S.R. 56 bridge over Brock Creek, located 0.2 miles west of S.R. 135. The bridge will close once construction begins; an official start date will be announced. State Road 56 is expected to reopen in late November 2022.
Patching, milling and paving is also scheduled to begin this spring on a short section of S.R. 135, north of S.R. 56. State Road 135 will remain open to traffic throughout the project, but with lane closures and flagging. The completion date for paving work on S.R. 135 is in late June 2022.
The contract was awarded to Milestone last December for a total of $13,292,500. Drivers are reminded to slow down, use extra caution, and drive distraction-free in and near construction zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.
Additional information about the project can be found here.
