CARMEL, Ind. -- One of Carmel's busiest roads is going on a diet.
Officials in Carmel announced Monday that Rangeline Road will go from five lanes to two from 116th Street to the 4th Street entrance to the Carmel Arts & Design District.
Intersections will be converted to roundabouts at 116th Street, Medical Drive, Executive Drive, City Center Drive and 4th Street. Each roundabout will be two lanes except for the 4th Street roundabout.
The intersection of City Center Drive and Rangeline Road is the first to get the roundabout, so expect a closure there in the coming weeks.
The $13.5 million project will turn traffic lanes into bike paths and walking paths with a landscaped median. The goal is to make the area safe for drivers and pedestrians and to attract new businesses to the area.
Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard said even with just two lanes, people should be able to get through the area in the same amount of time.
"This large, multi-lane, uninviting expanse of road will be replaced by an inviting, aesthetically-pleasing, protected boulevard. What is currently a 'pass through' corridor will soon be transformed into a tree lined, sculpture infused, pedestrian destination," said Brainard.
The project will be funded by Carmel's local improvement bonds that were approved by the city council in 2016.
Carmel released a digitally-enhanced video of the changes. Check it out below:
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