RRDA Opening Jim Lewis Avenue at State Road 62 with New Traffic Pattern

Intersection Improvements Expected to be Fully Completed in the First Quarter of 2025

Charlestown, IN (December 5, 2024) – River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) announced today it is preparing to open the Jim Lewis Avenue intersection at State Road 62 in the coming months with a new traffic pattern on SR62. This project marks an important milestone in infrastructure improvements to serve new businesses and their employees within the River Ridge Commerce Center (RRCC).

As part of ongoing development, the “Green T” intersection project is expected to be fully completed in the first quarter of 2025. In the interim, the intersection will open to allow traffic flow, but without signalization. Drivers will have the ability to turn right into and out of Jim Lewis Avenue at the intersection at SR62, but left turns will be temporarily restricted until the project is finalized.

Additionally, upgrades are underway at Miami Trail with installation of a four-way, signalized intersection. This critical improvement aims to enhance connectivity and streamline traffic flow into Dan Cristiani Excavating’s Shadow Lake development and into the RRCC. This project will also complement the additional infrastructure enhancements at Jim Lewis Avenue.

“The opening of the Jim Lewis Avenue intersection demonstrates our commitment to improving transportation infrastructure for our businesses while prioritizing public safety for their employees and residents in the area,” said Jerry Acy, Executive Director. “We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we work to deliver these upgrades.”

The “Green T” intersection is designed to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion, improving access and safety for all road users. Once complete, the project will include new signalization, lane configurations, and enhanced signage to support smooth navigation.

For more information about the design and functionality of the planned “Green T” intersection, visit the Indiana Department of Transportation website at https://www.in.gov/indot/traffic-engineering/green-t-intersection/.

“We are excited to see the positive impact this project will have for residents, commuters and businesses in the area,” said Chris Jackson, President of Dan Cristiani Excavating Co, Inc. “These changes will serve the community well for years to come, setting a foundation for future investment.”

Charlestown city officials also highlighted the importance of these improvements for the community. “These upgrades represent significant progress in making Charlestown more accessible and safer for our residents and visitors,” said Charlestown Mayor Treva Hodges. “We’re proud to see investments like this taking shape, proving once again there has never been a better time to choose Charlestown.”

Residents and commuters are encouraged to stay updated on the project by visiting RiverRidgeCC.com for announcements and real-time updates.

About the River Ridge Development Authority 

The River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) manages the River Ridge Commerce Center, a 6,000-acre business and office park established in 1998 to replace lost economic activity from the closure of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant.  

Today, River Ridge is home to approximately 80 companies such as Amazon, Bose, Collins Aerospace, Medline, Optum and PharmaCord.  Onsite employment totaled more than 12,002 in 2023, and the Center produced a total of over $2.9 billion in economic output and supported an additional 6,555 jobs. The investments and growth at River Ridge earned the RRDA the International Economic Development Council’s 2020 Gold Award for Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse.