Roundabouts now part of U.S. 35 interchange plans

The state’s Revive I-70 plan now includes more roundabouts.

The Indiana Department of Transportation has revised its recommendation for the Williamsburg Pike/U.S. 35 and Interstate 70 interchange. It’s now proposed as a diamond interchange with two single-lane roundabouts and more closely resembles the planned upgrades at the U.S. 40 and I-70 interchange on Richmond’s east side.

Originally, INDOT planned to keep three loop ramps at U.S. 35 and I-70. The major changes were extending acceleration and deceleration lanes and constructing barriers to separate lanes.

Now, however, INDOT plans to eliminate the three loop ramps in favor of the roundabouts, one south of the I-70 and another north. Those turning left to head either east or west on I-70 will use a roundabout to access an on-ramp. 

Eastbound and westbound I-70 will have just one exit ramp, whether traffic plans to head north or south. Each exit ramp leads to a roundabout.

In addition, U.S. 35 will use just the existing southbound bridge over the highway. That bridge, which is between the roundabouts, will have one northbound lane and one southbound lane.

INDOT is accepting comments about the revised interchange plan through April 19. Written comments may be sent to INDOT contractor Parsons attention Berry Craig at 101 W. Ohio St., Suite 2121, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Also share comments at ReviveI70.com, berry.craig@parsons.com, INDOT4U.com or 1-855-INDOT4U.

Wayne County’s portion of Revive I-70 is divided into three segments. The U.S. 35 and U.S. 40 interchange improvements are part of the first segment, which stretches from the state line to just west of the U.S. 35 interchange. Bids for that segment will be received this spring, and work is scheduled to begin later this year.

In addition to restructuring the two interchanges, the project includes widening I-70 to three lanes in each direction, replacing pavement and replacing or improving bridges.