GREENFIELD — Work on a new phase of State Road 9 improvements will begin on Monday, June 7, with a full closure for a segment of the road that will restrict driver access to the main entrance at Hancock Regional Hospital.
The road will be closed between U.S. 40 and McKenzie Road; the schedule is weather-dependent, but it is set to reopen at the beginning of August. Indiana Department of Transportation crews will be patching and repaving the city’s main north-south thoroughfare. Similar work has closed the road south of U.S. 40 since March.
The hard closure means vehicles won’t be permitted to drive on any part of the roadway, and pedestrians can’t cross the street at any point in the construction zone.
Signs will be posted marking both the official detour and other ways to enter the hospital campus for local drivers. Local drivers are encouraged to find their own routes.
The hospital’s emergency room can be accessed off Swope Street on the east side of the hospital campus. Its main entrance can be accessed off Boyd Avenue, on the south boundary of the hospital property.
For access to homes and businesses between Illinois Street and McKenzie Road, drivers will be able to use the alley directly to the west of State Street off Michigan Street,
In a post on its Facebook page, the Greenfield Police Department said there are a few steps residents can take to make the closure easier, including making travel plans ahead of time, and, for those who live on State Street, keeping the alleyways behind their homes clear.
“McKenzie Road and Main Street will be very busy, as well as Broadway Street, Franklin Street, Apple Street and Blue Road,” the GPD Facebook post said. “Please do not speed. Expect slower traffic along these streets as there will be many more people turning onto side streets to get home. School is out for summer, so be cautious of children running across the street.”
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The Greenfield Police Department offered the following advice for navigating the new phase of State Road 9 construction:
- If you live or work in the area of this closure, make your travel plan now.
- If you live on State Street in this area, please keep the alley ways behind your residence clear. Do not park in the alley. Emergency Services will be using the alleys to get to residences.
- If you live on State Street, consider putting your address numbers on the back of your house or garage so we are able to find you quicker in the event of an emergency.
- Parents-talk to your kids about crossing streets. Make sure they are aware of the extra traffic that will be on side streets. Talk to them about not playing in the street. Children of all ages need to be reminded about this at times.
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