West Lafayette warning of traffic disruption during summer construction

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - It would not be a West Lafayette summer without a lot of construction. This summer the construction is coming to one of the most traveled roads in the city.

"Northwestern Avenue for the most part from Mackey Arena all the way up to Yeager Road is going to have a significant amount of construction on it all summer long," West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis said.

"Everybody is trying to get done with work that disrupts traffic before students move back in at the beginning of August," West Lafayette Engineer Dave Buck said.

In the end the road will be repaved. Between Lindberg and Yeager roads sidewalks and medians will be built to give the road a boulevard look.

To achieve that Mayor Dennis and Buck said roads will be narrowed, and lanes will be restricted.

"Our intent is to make the population aware of the fact this is going to be disruptive," Mayor Dennis said. "We're going to ask for their patience. We're also going to have dedicated detour routes so they can get around much more easily and much more efficiently."

The detours could go through neighborhoods. Mayor Dennis and Buck said they are looking for the most efficient route for drivers, but also the safest for pedestrians.

"What we're looking at is trying to make sure whatever detour we establish isn't going to create a safety issue for a neighborhood," Mayor Dennis said. "We want to make sure it's a proven route, it can handle the additional volume, and won't create a traffic safety issue."

The detours should be announced by the end of the month. Buck said the city will host a press conference announcing the routes. Maps will be available to the public, and posted on the city's website.