Basketball fans, spring breakers to impact Hoosier highways

PUTNAMVILLE -- The Putnamville District of the Indiana State Police is reminding motorists of a potential increase in weekend traffic due to the NCAA Final Four Tournament being played in Indianapolis this weekend.

Three teams playing in this year's Men's Final Four on April 4 and 6 are within a five-hour drive of the action at Lucas Oil Stadium. Motorists should expect additional traffic this holiday weekend as basketball fans meet spring break travelers along Interstates 70, 74, 65 and 69.

Putnamville District troopers cover 58 miles of I-70 from the Illinois state line to the 58-mile marker. Within the 58 miles are two construction zones in the Terre Haute area that may have lane restrictions and/or the shifting of lanes.

Meanwhile, U.S. 40 in Brazil has construction under way as well with lane modifications.

Motorists are encouraged to be prepared, allow additional travel time, slow down and use caution in construction zone areas, drive safe and sober, and use seatbelts and child restraints.

For the safety of all, troopers will be vigorously enforcing violations of traffic safety laws on major roadways leading to Indianapolis, especially on U.S. 40 and I-70.

"Our troopers will be doing everything possible to make your traveling as safe as possible," Lt. Dan Jones, Putnamville District commander , said. "We need you, the motorist ,to do your part. Together we can make a difference in preventing injuries and saving lives."

Drivers can stay in touch with travel concerns by visiting the Indiana Department of Transportation Traffic Wise webpage at indot.carsprogram.org, or 800.261.ROAD (7623) or Facebook and Twitter accounts of INDOT and the Indiana State Police.

The Putnamville District covers Putnam, Parke, Clay, Vermillion, Vigo and Sullivan counties.