Here is a rewritten version of the RSS article title: "Leveling Up to Success

INDIANAPOLIS — Level Up 31 aims to improve traffic safety and alleviate congestion on Indy's north side. The project is focused on reducing the frequency of crashes, specifically rear-end crashes.

This comes at a time of significant population growth in Hamilton County. Since 2016, Carmel's population has increased by 12.8%, while Westfield's population has grown by 59.3%.

"There was unprecedented growth in the area. Increase in population. Higher traffic volumes, so this project, the goal is to combat that and provide a safer, smoother commute and drive in this area," Natalie Garret with the Indiana Department of Transportation said.

INDOT held a public hearing on Tuesday for those who wished to learn more about the project.

"How it's gonna affect the flow. How's it's gonna affect how much downtime there is. We seem to have the smallest change of all the other exits," Elizabeth Weber said.

Weber lives off of 111th Street and commutes in the area, as well as runs over and under U.S. 31. She appreciates the project's features, including marked crosswalks and large areas for running underneath at 106th and 111th streets.

Robert Plank, another local resident, is also pleased with some of the anticipated improvements, citing the alleviation of a pinch point where U.S. 31 north would be reduced to one lane.

"They've alleviated a lot of my concerns. The pinch point, currently where 31 north goes down to one lane, they're going to allow it to be two lanes again," Plank said.

Construction on the project will begin this summer/fall and continue through the summer of 2027. Crews will work on ramp widening, southbound U.S. 31 improvements, and 106th Street modifications.

Drivers can expect lane and ramp closures in the coming months.