The Indiana Department of Transportation’s multifaceted $8.5 million project on U.S. Highway 31 between Columbus and Seymour opens to traffic Wednesday, three weeks ahead of schedule.

“A safer, smoother U.S. 31 opens to welcome Thanksgiving travelers between Columbus and Seymour,” said INDOT Commissioner Brandye Hendrickson. “Construction begins late next year to modernize nearby I-65 as part of INDOT’s record-setting investments in its roads and bridges.”

INDOT’s contract allowed Milestone Contractors to close U.S. 31 for 240 days to build a new 382-foot bridge over Sand Creek at the Bartholomew-Jackson County line. During the closure, U.S. 31 approaches to the bridge were raised five feet and ditches were cut on all sides. In addition, a culvert was replaced north of Sand Creek and an arch structure was built south of Sand Creek at Quade Ditch.

INDOT says that slope work, seeding and minor repair operations will continue into next year.