INDOT to begin first phase of Level Up 31 project, causing road closures in Carmel

CARMEL, Ind. — Portions of I-465 and U.S. 31 will be impacted in Carmel starting in early October as the Indiana Department of Transportation begins its latest road improvement project.

According to a news release from INDOT, the first phase of Level Up 31 is expected to begin on Oct. 6. This phase includes multiple ramp closures, local access restrictions and detours around the two-mile improvement area.

The closures in the first phase of the Level Up 31 project include:

• Closure of the southbound U.S. 31 ramp to 106th Street through late December
• Closure of eastbound 106th Street from Illinois Street to U.S. 31 through late December
• Closure on the eastbound I-465 ramp to southbound Meridian Street through mid-December

During this first phase of the project, drivers will have to abide by the following detours:

• Drivers traveling southbound on U.S. 31 needing to exit on 106th Street will be required to exit at 116th Street. After drivers head eastbound on 116th Street, they will have to travel southbound on Pennsylvania Street until reaching 106th Street.
• Drivers traveling east on 106th Street will have to take the Illinois Street exit north to eastbound 111th Street, travel east to Pennsylvania Street and head south on Pennsylvania Street before going east onto 106th Street.
• Southbound traffic from I-465 eastbound will be routed to the north for around one mile, exit onto 106th Street and re-enter U.S. 31 southbound/Meridian Street to travel south toward Indianapolis.

INDOT officials initially announced its Level Up 31 projects in September 2024, stating at the time that the project aims to “help ease congestion and improve safety” through the following projects:

• Modification of the I-465/U.S. 31 north interchange
• Seven bridge deck overlaws
• Related work on U.S. 31 from I-465 to 116th Street in Carmel

“The project will increase capacity for west to north and east to north movements to create traffic flow and enhance safety,” INDOT’s website stated.

During the first phase of the project, the speed limit will drop to 45 mph along I-465 and U.S. 31 in the construction zone. Signs will also be posted to help drivers with detours.

All through traffic on U.S. 31 northbound and southbound, as well as traffic from I-465 eastbound and westbound to U.S. 31 north, will be unrestricted during the first phase of the project.

Three other phases are expected in the overall project, according to INDOT’s website, with the following preliminary schedule:

• Phase Two: Fall 2025 to Summer 2026
• Phase Three: Summer 2026 to Winter 2026
• Phase Four: Fall 2026 to Summer 2027.

For more information on the Level Up 31 project, click here.