Construction on Indiana Roads in 2024

We’ve all been there.

Maybe you are on your way to work, dropping your kids off to school, or finally setting out on that anticipated family vacation when you see that dreaded sign: “Road Construction Ahead.” Road construction is one of those necessary evils in society. Construction provides improvements and additions to create safer, more efficient, and long-lasting paths and roadways for pedestrians, bicycles, cars, trucks, semis, and other types of motor vehicles. However, construction is like fire or electricity. It can be incredibly helpful, but when not handled properly, people can get hurt.

Dangers of Construction Zones

The unfortunate truth is that many people are seriously hurt or injured every year in construction zones. According to national statistics, 3 people are killed every day in a work zone. Additionally:

• This study found that there has been a 61% increase in work zone crashes between 2013 and 2021.
• In 2022, 64% of highway contractors said that a motor crash occurred in their work zone.
• In 2022, 37,701 people were injured, and 528 were killed in a construction zone.
• In 2022, 65% of construction zone deaths included the driver of the vehicle.

While construction zones can be extremely helpful because of the improvements they provide, they can also be extremely dangerous.

Impact of Construction Zones in Indiana

Unfortunately, in my home state of Indiana, construction zone accidents have taken the lives of many.

• Between the years 2020 and 2022, there were 76 construction related car accidents that proved to be fatal.
• Of fatal car crashes in Indiana, 2.82% took place in construction zones. This is 124% higher than the national average.
• In 2023, the Indiana Department of Transportation found that 33 people were killed and more than 1,750 people were injured in work zones.

I am currently handling three separate wrongful death claims caused by construction zone accidents in Indiana. Two occurred on I-65 and one happened on I-70. All three of these involved semi tractor-trailers rear-ending my clients. Our law firm is also currently handling several construction zone wrecks that involved serious personal injuries caused by semis, other big trucks, or commercial motor vehicles.

Construction Zone Safety Risks

As a personal injury attorney with decades of experience, I have found that some of the most dangerous places in construction zones are at the beginning where traffic starts funneling to fewer lanes. Research has found that accidents, specifically rear-end, were more severe when they took place upon approach of the work zone. Drivers may be changing lanes, merging, or failing to slow down. Additionally, narrowing construction lanes substantially contribute to car accidents. The most frequent types of construction zone collisions include rear-end (34%), broadside/right-angle (27%), and sideswipe (20%).

When it comes to accidents in construction zones, there are many contributing and escalating factors. However, choosing to ignore flaggers and traffic control, being intoxicated, and speeding cause roughly 60% of fatal accidents. Following too closely to the vehicle ahead (tailgating) and driver inattention contribute to about 70% of injury-related accidents. Driving at night through highway construction zones has also been found to be about five times more dangerous than driving through during daylight hours.

Construction Zone Safety Risks and Big Trucks

Another significant risk in construction zones is related to semis and big trucks. This is a reality that is deeply felt by our client, Melinda Pennycuff. Melinda, who was a guest on episode 16 of our podcast, After the Crash, shared about the loss of her uncle, Robert Hogan. Robert and his close family friends were returning from vacation on a summer night when they entered a construction zone on I-65 in Kentucky. The left lane was closed, and the vehicles had slowed to merge. There had been warning signs for miles, as well as flashing lights to signal that the lane was narrowing. However, a semi-tractor trailer, that had its cruise control set above the speed limit, plowed into the back of the vehicle. Tragically, the six people in the vehicle, including Robert, were killed.

In 2020, 26.4% of all fatal and 14.7% of non-fatal construction zone crashes involved at least one large truck. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the most common types of accidents involving big trucks and 18-wheelers include angle, head-on, and rear-end collisions.

Safety risks for these semis include narrow lanes, shifting speed limits, extended stopping distances, and blind spots. If a big truck is going 55 mph, the necessary stopping distance is 50% greater than the necessary stopping distance of a passenger vehicle. Semis also have various blind spots that can be hazardous in construction zones. On the driver and passenger side of an 18-wheeler, there is a blind spot from the cabin door to around halfway down the trailer. They also have a blind spot behind the trailer for about 30 feet, and in front of the truck about 20 feet. It is always important to be mindful of these blind spots when sharing the roads with semis, and especially in construction zones.

Because I have handled literally hundreds of construction zone wrecks over the years, I am very sensitive to the dangers they create. Like everyone else I drive through work zones regularly. My experience is that rarely do drivers of cars or big trucks obey the speed limit signs or obey other warnings or instruction. This is why these areas of the roadway are so dangerous.

12 Safety Tips to Keep You Safe in Construction Zones

Construction, though helpful, can be dangerous. So, what can you do to keep you and your family safe in construction zones?

1. Pay Attention to the Road: No matter whether there is construction ahead or not, when operating a motor vehicle, we should always be paying attention to the road. When it comes to construction zones, paying attention is significantly important. Construction zones often have cones, rough roads, narrow paths, and lanes that can change every day. When passing through a construction zone, make sure that you are driving defensively. Be mindful of your surroundings and stay focused.
2. Ditch the Distractions: In order to pay attention to the road, it is important to stay alert and ditch the distractions. When coming upon or entering a construction zone, it is important to refrain from changing the radio station, using your phone, eating, drinking, or participating in any activity that will take your focus away from the road. No matter how experienced of a driver you are, distractions can be dangerous or deadly.
3. Merge Into the Proper Lane: When you see signs telling you that lanes may be merging or closed ahead, do what you can to get into the necessary lane well before the cutoff. With this, remember that traffic patterns and layouts may change daily. Every time you drive through the construction zone, make sure you are following signage, rather than just doing what you have done previously.
4. Don’t Unnecessarily Change Lanes: After merging into the proper lane, it is best to stay in that lane. Often in construction zones, there will be signs warning against changing lanes. It is important to listen to these warnings that are meant to protect drivers. If shifting lanes require vehicles to merge, make sure to move with caution, follow the roadway indicators, and with plenty of warning to other motorists.
5. Don’t Tailgate: Tailgating is great for football games, but terrible for construction zones. Make sure that you are following vehicles at a safe distance. Rear-end collisions are the most frequent accidents in construction zones. Be prepared for sudden stops, braking vehicles, and large trucks that may require additional space to stop. With that, make sure to refrain from cutting off a big truck or semi. This could be an incredibly dangerous choice.
6. Follow the Posted Speed Limit: Speed limits help to protect you, other drivers, and construction workers. It is vitally important to refrain from speeding in these zones. Construction areas are often tight, congested, and roadways may be uneven. In these circumstances, it is crucial to be able to stop quickly and safely to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Additionally, there are often significant fines, ranging from $300-$1,000, for drivers who speed through construction zones.
7. Keep Your Headlights On: Keeping your headlights on allows you to be visible to construction workers, as well as other vehicles. This extra precaution can be incredibly helpful when it comes to keeping you and others safe in construction areas.
8. Be Mindful of Flaggers and Workers: Flaggers are most often found in areas where there is only one lane available. It is important to respect their directions and efforts to keep you, and others, safe. Their job is to help traffic flow as smoothly and safely as possible. When it is your turn to move through, make sure to keep your distance from all workers, and to drive slowly and cautiously.
9. Expect the Unexpected: Even if you are staying within the speed limit, staying in the proper lane, obeying flaggers, and maintaining a safe distance, other drivers may not. Use defensive driving and be prepared for risky driving from other motorists.
10. Be Patient: Construction zones can cause a lot of stress, anxiety, and frustration. However, it is important to remain calm and patient. Road rage can make a situation go from annoying to life-threatening. Construction zones are there to help keep people safe. Getting angry, impatient, or driving aggressively will not help traffic move any faster.
11. Leave Yourself an Out: Be sure to leave yourself room between the vehicle in front of you and always be looking for an out if faced with a sudden emergency. I prefer to drive in a lane where there is room to move off the road if necessary. If you are stopped or slowly and notice a semi or other vehicle in your rearview mirror not slowing, you need a plan where you will take your vehicle. That may be leaving the roadway.
12. Plan Ahead: Before commuting, check your route. If there is a construction zone, see if there is an alternative way to go. If not, allow extra time for delays so that you don’t need to speed to reach your destination on time.

Awareness is Key: Major Projects in Indiana  

This map shows all the known construction sites in Indiana. Construction zones are all over our state. As you seek to plan ahead, here are the major construction projects in Indiana:

• I-69 Finish Line
  • This area is the final segment of the Interstate that will connect Indianapolis with Evansville. This project provides over 26 miles of roadway for drivers. Additionally, it provides 8 miles of new lanes that offers more room for motorists on I-465. In 2024, plans for the construction on this Interstate include:
    • Opening to traffic on the I-69/I465 interchange
    • Finishing the interchange for Southport Road
    • Complete paving in the area north of Southport Road
    • Opening the I-465 and Harding Street interchange
    • Provide new roadways along I-465 at various sections.
• Clear Path: Northeast I-465 and I-69
  • • This construction plan will seek to improve safety and transportation flow on the northeast side of Indianapolis. This project will add new travel lanes, ramp lanes, 14 new bridges, repair 2 existing bridges, create exchange adjustments, repair pavement, and other various types of maintenance work. Long-term ramp closures for this project include the following:
      • 56^th Street to I-465
      • Allisonville Road to I-465 eastbound
      • Northbound Binford Boulevard to I-465 westbound
      • I-69 South to 82^nd Street
      • 82^nd Street to I-69 South
      • I-69 North to 82^nd Street
• Sherman Minton Renewal
  • • The Sherman Minton Bridge connects traffic between Louisville, Kentucky and New Albany, Indiana view I-64 and US 150. This renewal project is painting and repairing the bridge, which was built in 1962, and carries about 70,000 drivers every day. This project is currently in its 5th phase.
    • There are two lanes open, both on the the eastbound and westbound sides
    • Overnight, this bridge has at least one lane closed, as well as the possibility of weekend closures
    • There is no exit access to New Albany from I-264
    • For more details about lane closures, alternate routes, and additional information, click here
• I-65/I-70 North Split Reconstruction
  • • This project, which was begun in winter of 2020, will improve safety for drivers. This will be implemented by removing sections where traffic is forced to cross paths around the Pennsylvania and Delaware Street ramps. This will remove the most dangerous backups, which will provide a smooth flow of traffic.
    • Lewis Street will be closed until at least May 31
    • The Monon Trail will be closed under the area of the North Split until the end of May
• Ohio River Crossing (I-69 ORX)
  • • This endeavor, shared by Indiana and Kentucky, will provide an extension of I-69 as a bridge over the Ohio River. This project will connect Evansville, Indiana with Henderson, Kentucky. The hope for this bridge is to reduce traffic jams and to improve safety for drivers. Construction on the Indiana side is set to begin in 2024.

Final Thoughts

Construction is an inevitable part of life. However, there are many ways to protect yourself and your loved ones when it comes to navigating construction zones. However, the sad truth is that accidents and injuries still frequently occur in construction areas. At Craig, Kelley and Faultless LLC, we know how serious a construction zone accident can be. If you or someone you love has been injured due to reckless or distracted driving in a construction zone, you need an attorney that will fight on your behalf. Our team has expertise and years of experience to help you get what you deserve.

 

David W. Craig sits on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (which requires the board certification in truck accident law). He is the managing partner, as well as one of the founding partners of the law firm of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is also recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Indiana by the National Trial Lawyers. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families, written to help victims and their families as they navigate through a terrible situation and answers the host of questions that come after a tragic wreck. He is also the host of the podcast, After the Crash where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semis and large trucks that do not follow Indiana law safety protocol on roads regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc.