INDOT SR‑31 project to close southbound lane Feb. 17; Sellersburg staff warn of major traffic impacts

Town staff told the Sellersburg Town Council on Feb. 2 that the long‑planned INDOT SR‑31 reconstruction will begin Feb. 17 and will proceed with phased lane closures designed to shorten overall construction time.

Staff said the contractor plans to close and work the southbound lane from Prather Lane to State Road 403 first, then shift to northbound work as crews progress. Multiple pipe crews and concurrent work are intended to accelerate the schedule: staff reported the completion target has moved from mid‑2027 to fall 2026. The project will require closures of local intersections and temporary closures of Utica Street, Saint Paul and Haas streets at times, and the posted INDOT detour will use SR‑403 north to the Henryville exit and back on State Road 60. Town staff advised drivers from the Silver Creek area to consider alternate routes via Salem, Noble, Stacy or Bethany.

Staff emphasized the project will be disruptive and urged patience: "This is gonna be painful for the community at large," one staff member said. The town will post further details and detour information on its website and social media as the contractor confirms sequencing and local impacts.

Council and staff advised residents to expect significant truck traffic on alternate local routes during construction and encouraged use of school buses where possible to reduce peak traffic. Staff said they will seek additional project sequencing details from the contractor and post updates for the public.