Although not obvious to most residents, serious money and serious work is underway on the monumental upgrading of State Road 37. The project was first announced three years ago.
Ahead of actual construction, there is a great deal of drainage work needed as well as right-of-way acquisition. The drainage improvement involves running two huge conduits from 37 to White River. This work is underway along 146th and 131st streets. Pipelines four and one-half feet in diameter are in the process of being run the mile and a half to discharge rain runoff to the river.
Also underway are negotiations with about 15 property owners along 37 for needed right-of-way at intersections along 37. County officials have authorized condemnation action for small tracts needed for entrance and exit ramps to the improved roadway.
The condemnation action does not necessarily mean a hostile taking of the tracts, but is being taken to get early access to needed ground while negotiations are in progress, according to County Highway Director Brad Davis.
The improvements to 37 will result in elimination of grade level intersections. New interchanges are planned at all current intersecting roads from Interstate 69 on the south to and including 146th Street on the north.
Later, in a second phase, the same type of improvements will be undertaken from 146th to State Road 32 (Conner Street) in Noblesville. When completed, the multi-million dollar project will allow motorists to drive the route without stop-and-go traffic signals.
The project is being largely financed with a $100 million grant from the State of Indiana. County government along with Fishers and Noblesville are expected to contribute local shares initially set at $12 million each. The county and Fishers have contributed their shares to get the first phase underway. Noblesville will be expected to contribute to get the second phase underway.