State Road 32 Traffic Shifts to New Pavement as Construction Continues

Drivers on State Road 32 west of Lebanon are getting their first look – and drive – on a portion of the new roadway being built as part of the larger SR 32 realignment project.

Traffic has now been shifted onto newly constructed pavement while work continues on the existing roadway. The change keeps SR 32 open in both directions, but the new traffic pattern, construction activity and lane transitions have contributed to significant backups, particularly during busier travel times.

For anyone who regularly travels the corridor, the biggest thing to know right now is simple: the road is open, but expect delays and pay close attention to the temporary traffic pattern.

What’s Happening on SR 32?

The current work is part of INDOT’s larger plan to realign and widen State Road 32 on the west side of Lebanon.

The project stretches just over four miles, beginning near County Road 500 West and continuing east toward the existing four-lane section of SR 32 near Westgate Boulevard.

Plans call for a new alignment between CR 500 W and CR 250 W, along with widening portions of the existing highway farther east. Ultimately, SR 32 east of CR 250 W is planned as a four-lane roadway connecting with the existing four lanes approaching I-65.

The project is intended to accommodate future traffic associated with the LEAP Lebanon Innovation District as well as additional residential and commercial development in the area.

A New Lane Doesn’t Mean Construction Is Finished

Seeing traffic move onto new pavement can make the project look farther along than it actually is.

The newly opened section is part of a construction-stage traffic shift. Moving vehicles onto completed pavement gives crews room to continue work elsewhere within the corridor.

That means drivers should continue to expect changing lane configurations, construction equipment, reduced speeds and additional traffic shifts as work progresses.

It also means today’s route through the construction zone may not necessarily be tomorrow’s.

Expect Some Growing Pains

The latest shift has already been noticeable for drivers, with traffic backing up along SR 32 as motorists adjust to the new configuration.

That’s particularly important for anyone using SR 32 during morning and afternoon traffic or traveling between Lebanon and communities to the west. Leaving a little extra time is probably a good idea while drivers become familiar with the pattern and construction continues.

As always in an active work zone, watch the signs rather than relying on habit. Entrances, intersections and lane positioning may change as different phases of the project are completed.

Part of a Much Bigger Change Along the Corridor

The work on SR 32 is one piece of a much larger transportation buildout underway around the LEAP District.

INDOT says the realigned highway is being designed to improve future service as development in the area generates additional traffic. The planned corridor will also provide access for future residential and commercial development west of Lebanon.

For now, though, the impact is much more immediate: orange barrels, new pavement, changing traffic patterns – and some frustrating backups.

We’ll continue following the SR 32 project as traffic shifts and new sections of roadway open.