Sellersburg Road Project Aims to Improve Safety, Despite Potential Traffic Disruptions

SELLERSBURG, Ind. — A rehabilitation project along U.S. 31 in Sellersburg, Indiana, began Tuesday, February 17, 2026 and is expected to cause traffic delays and detours. While the construction may temporarily inconvenience local businesses and commuters, many believe the improvements are necessary to address safety concerns, particularly near Silver Creek Middle and High School.

Safety Concerns Prompt Roadwork

Concerns about pedestrian safety have increased since a 15-year-old student was struck by a vehicle while using a crosswalk near the school in January. Juli Mick, manager of Sherrilli’s Pizzeria in Sellersburg, acknowledged the potential disruption to businesses but emphasized the require for improvements. “We realize it’s going to be a bit of a mess. We’re just going to have to bear through it. Just like we have other times,” Mick said. “So in the long run, it will be better for everybody.”

Project Details and Detours

According to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), the project will focus on the southbound lane of U.S. 31 between Prather Street and County Road 403. Improvements include drainage enhancements, turn lane construction and reconfiguration, and upgrades to pedestrian and traffic signal systems [INDOT Facebook Reel]. The crosswalk near the schools where the January incident occurred will be removed and replaced with upgraded crosswalks.

During construction, INDOT has established a detour route from U.S. 31 to State Road 160, then to I-65, and back to U.S. 31. The intersection of U.S. 31 and Novel Albany Street will function as an all-way stop.

Local Business Perspective

Sherrilli’s Pizzeria, a long-standing establishment in Sellersburg, is committed to customer satisfaction and providing quality food [Sherrilli’s Pizzeria Website]. Mick expressed optimism that the community will understand the temporary inconvenience is for the greater good. “This too shall pass. So we’ll just make it through it, and hopefully everybody else will too, and just understand that it’s for the better of the communities,” she stated.

Project Timeline

INDOT anticipates completing the rehabilitation project by the end of 2026 [INDOT Facebook Reel].