LOOGOOTEE, Ind. — Motorists traveling between Martin and Greene counties should prepare for travel delays and detours as the Indiana Department of Transportation implements a full closure of U.S. 231 beginning late this month.

Transportation officials announced that U.S. 231 will be closed in both directions between Pine Tree Road, located three miles north of the Loogootee area, and State Road 58, approximately four miles south of the Scotland area. The planned closure covers a seven-mile stretch extending from mile point 74.27 to mile point 81.34 in northern Martin County.

The highway shutdown is scheduled to take effect at 7 a.m. EDT on Monday, Oct. 26, and remain in place until approximately 3 p.m. EDT on Friday, Oct. 30, weather permitting. According to INDOT officials, the multi-day project is necessary for maintenance crews to complete an essential drainage pipe replacement beneath the roadway just north of West Boggs Lake.

An official marked state detour will be in operation to guide regional highway traffic safely around the active construction site. Commuters traveling daily between Loogootee, Crane and Bloomfield should anticipate additional travel time on surrounding state and county roadways, or consider utilizing Interstate 69 to bypass the construction corridor entirely during peak morning and evening drives.

INDOT emphasized that while through traffic will be strictly prohibited through the pipe replacement work zone, local property owners, area residents and emergency response vehicles will retain continuous access to points along U.S. 231 up to the physical closure barricades.

Highway officials urge drivers to exercise heightened caution, strictly adhere to all posted warning signs and avoid cutting through unauthorized rural routes that cannot accommodate heavy commercial vehicles. Motorists can monitor real-time road conditions, work zone advisories and official detour maps through INDOT’s TrafficWise mapping portal at 511in.org or via the state agency’s mobile application.