Franklin Businesses Navigate U.S. 31 Work as Support Continues

Franklin businesses along U.S. 31 are continuing to navigate construction-related changes to access, traffic flow and visibility as Phase 3 of the corridor project moves toward a fall 2026 completion target.

The Franklin Chamber documented a June 26 gift-card giveaway and business-support activity tied to its Support 31 campaign. The effort encouraged residents to continue shopping and dining along the construction corridor while work continues.

Phase 3 remains active through fall

According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, Phase 3 began in March 2026 and covers U.S. 31 between Franklin Lakes Boulevard and Westview Drive/North Main Street. The phase includes intersection improvements at Hospital Road, Madison Street, West King Street, Banta Street, Mallory Parkway and Lemley Street, along with median and restricted-crossing U-turn lanes, lighting and pedestrian facilities.

INDOT’s February 27 construction release said Phase 3 was expected to be completed in fall 2026, weather permitting. That release also outlined lane restrictions and temporary closures connected with the early portion of the work. The broader six-phase U.S. 31 project is expected to remain active through 2028.

For customers and employees, the practical effect is that familiar entrances, turning movements and travel times may change as work shifts along the corridor. Businesses may remain open even when access routes or roadside visibility are different from normal.

Campaign targets more than 150 businesses

The Franklin Chamber Foundation received a $38,262 grant from the Franklin Economic Development Commission for the Support 31 campaign. The effort is being carried out with the Franklin Chamber of Commerce and the City of Franklin.

The campaign includes construction information, direct outreach to affected businesses, printed materials, marketing services, videos showing traffic flow and business entrances, social-media promotions and customer-support activities. The Chamber says more than 150 businesses are expected to be directly affected by the project.

The Chamber also cited Placer.ai data showing approximately 100,000 fewer vehicles along the corridor, or a 6.2% decline when comparing March and April 2025 with the same months in 2026. That figure is the Chamber’s description of corridor data obtained through Placer.ai, not an independently verified citywide measure of Franklin’s economy.

What residents should watch

Drivers should expect construction schedules and restrictions to change as work progresses. The INDOT Franklin project page and the Franklin Chamber’s U.S. 31 project page provide current project information, access details, maps and construction updates.

The current Phase 3 target is fall 2026, but INDOT notes that weather and construction conditions can affect timing. The larger project is expected to continue until 2028, meaning access and visibility issues may shift to different parts of the corridor even after the current phase ends.

Sources

• INDOT: U.S. 31 Corridor Improvements in Franklin project page
• Franklin Chamber Foundation grant announcement