The Carmel Police Department (CPD) is warning Carmel commuters that Main Street and the side streets around the Arts & Design District will be congested during “rush hour” times beginning today, Aug. 10, the first day of school for Carmel Clay students. Parents and students are encouraged to be patient and allow for extra travel time.
See map and read below for alternative routes and a plan to alleviate the congestion until parents and students settle into a routine.
- Due to the closure of Smoky Row for reconstruction, many drivers heading to Carmel’s elementary, middle and high schools are likely to use Main Street as a primary route, which means traffic will be congested from 7 to 9 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. If possible, please avoid this area during those times.
- CPD officers will be stationed at the traffic signal at Main Street and Range Line Road so they can monitor and make adjustments to help keep traffic flowing.
- Those traveling from the west are encouraged to use 146th Street and Lowes Way to access Range Line Road and Keystone Parkway.
- Finally, Carmel Clay Schools has issued a reminder about the city ordinance against parking or stopping in the residential neighborhoods near the school. CPD will strictly enforcing that parking ordinance.
Visit Carmel Clay Schools for traffic patterns and suggested alternative routes to every school in Carmel.