INDOT, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is developing a federal-aid road project to improve access along SR 45/46 to the existing intersections of West (W) Stonelake Drive and North (N) Monroe Street, as well as access modifications to W Arlington Road within the project area. The project begins 0.2 mile east of I-69 and extends east for 0.48 mile along SR 45/46 before terminating. The project generally includes access modifications along SR 45/46 to the existing intersections of W Stonelake Drive and N Monroe Street, as well as at the SR 45/46 overpass of W Arlington Road. The project will modify the intersection of N Monroe Street/W Stonelake Drive and SR 45/46 utilizing a reduced conflict intersection concept. Additionally, a new off ramp will be constructed for westbound traffic on SR 45/46 to W Arlington Road in the northeast quadrant of the W Arlington Road and SR 45/46 overpass.

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N Monroe Street and N Stonelake Drive – Reduced Conflict Intersection

To accomplish these improvements, the existing access point of W Stonelake Drive and SR 45/46 will be permanently removed. A new access point on SR 45/46 will be constructed approximately 600 feet east of the existing W Stonelake Drive and SR 45/46 intersection and align with N Stonelake Drive. The typical section of N Stonelake Drive will include two 12-foot travel lanes with 6-foot shoulders. The typical section of N Monroe Street will also include two 12-foot travel lanes with 6-foot shoulders. A reduced conflict intersection concept will be developed at the new access point of N Stonelake Drive, the existing access point of N Monroe Street, and SR 45/46 that will allow only right turns from the minor approaches and will force the direct left-turn and through movements to indirect U-Turn movements along the major roadway (SR45/46). Additionally, a 5-foot sidewalk will be constructed to connect the existing sidewalk at the north end of the pedestrian bridge (P(45)46-53-06239) to the existing sidewalk located along the north shoulder of W Stonelake Drive, and a crosswalk will be constructed across W Stonelake Drive.

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Modifications to SR 45/46

Auxiliary left- and right-turn lanes will be added to SR 45/46 to accommodate the new traffic pattern at N Stonelake Drive and an auxiliary right-turn lane will be added to SR 45/46 to accommodate the new traffic pattern at N Monroe Street. The typical section along SR 45/46 will include four 12-foot travel lanes (two in each direction) as well as two 12-foot left-turn lanes (one eastbound and one westbound) with 5-foot inside shoulders and 10-foot outside shoulders. Loons will be added at the minor approaches to allow for U-turns along SR 45/46. The loons are bump outs along the roadway, which will be constructed by widening the pavement of SR 45/46 to provide additional room for vehicles to complete the U-turn maneuver. The U-turn will be yield controlled; therefore, the loon has been designed to provide for an acceleration area before traffic merges onto SR 45/46. Impacts to existing roadside lighting along SR 45/46 and at W Stonelake Drive/N Monroe Street are anticipated, and impacted lighting will be replaced. Impacts to the existing storm sewer in the SR 45/46 median are anticipated and new storm sewer will be designed per INDOT guidelines.

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Additionally, in response to comments received during public involvement and subsequent review, the speed limit along SR 45/46 will be lowered from 50 mph to 45 mph and the pavement marking and signage will be updated within the project area. A special guide sign will be posted at the intersection of SR 45/46 and W Stonelake Drive/N Monroe Street illustrating the traffic pattern for the reduced conflict intersection. Additionally, left-turn and U-turn only signs will be posted along SR 45/46 (westbound and eastbound) for the left lane and a sign will be posted along SR 45/46 westbound for the new off ramp at W Arlington Road.

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SR 45/46 Westbound Off ramp for W Arlington Road

Additionally, a new off ramp will be constructed for westbound traffic on SR 45/46 to W Arlington Road in the northeast quadrant of the W Arlington Road overpass of SR 45/46. The typical section along the SR 45/46 westbound off ramp for W Arlington Road will include one 16-foot ramp lane with a 4-foot inside shoulder and 10-foot outside shoulder.  A Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall will be used to minimize environmental impacts and right-of-way necessary for the project. It should be noted that no work will occur on the W Arlington Road overpass, Bridge Number: (45)46-53-05993 B.