NEWBURGH, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announces that beginning Monday, December 3, traffic patterns will change on State Road 261 (S.R. 261) in Newburgh.  It is anticipated that the shift in traffic will take place after the morning rush hour and may be postponed in the case of inclement weather. 
 
Since October of 2011, all traffic has been maintained on the existing S.R. 261.  Motorists will be shifted to the center lanes of the roadway from S.R. 66 to just north of Vann Road.  From that area to Plank Road motorists will utilize the new south bound lanes of S.R. 261.  One lane in each direction will be maintained at all times.
 
Contractor’s crews will continue the construction of the expanded S.R. 261 from S.R. 66 to Plank Road.  The $12.1 million dollar project includes upgrading S.R. 261 from three to five lanes (2 lanes in each direction with a center turn lane) from State Road 66 to Fuquay Road.  From Fuquay, the roadway will be upgraded to three lanes (one lane in each direction with a center turn lane) to Old Plank Road.  The roadway will then continue north as two lanes to Jenner Road and will have a dedicated turn lane into the Lake Ridge Subdivision with improved shoulders.  The work also includes realignment of the Fuquay intersection with S.R. 261, sight distance improvements and a new stop light at the intersection of S.R. 261 and Peachwood Drive.
This project has a projected overall completion date of April 2014. 
 
INDOT encourages motorists to slow down and pay special attention while traveling in work zones throughout Indiana.  For the latest news and information about INDOT, please visit www.in.gov/indot and www.trafficwise.in.gov .