FRANKLIN, Ind. (WISH) — Preliminary work on the third phase of the U.S. 31 corridor improvement project in Johnson County will start Monday in Franklin, the Indiana Department of Transportation said in an news release issued Friday. The project will cause short-term lane closures through ea rly March on both northbound and southbound lanes on about a mile of U.S. 31 between Adams Street and North Main Street/Westview Drive. That area includes Franklin Community Middle School, Northwood Elementary School, and several retailers and restaurants. The release said, “Pre-construction work will include the removal of raised medians to prepare portions of U.S. 31 for Phase 3 of construction, which will take place between Youngs Creek and just north of Lemley Street. Additional information will be provided by INDOT prior to the start of Phase 3 construction.” The work is part of a $66.2 million intersection improvement contract awarded to Milestone Contractors in February 2025. The upcoming third phase, on a section of U.S. 31 from Youngs Creek to an area just north of Lemley Street, should being mid-spring. INDOT officials said more details regarding the specific construction schedule will be released before the third phase begins. Franklin, south of Indianapolis in Johnson County, is a city of 26,100 residents. ...read more read less