SHELBYVILLE, Ind. – The City of Shelbyville is announcing a significant—but necessary—closure of North Riley Highway as part of CSX Railroad’s total rail and approach reconstruction project. Beginning immediately following Memorial Day, from Tuesday, May 27 through Tuesday, June 10, 2025 , CSX will completely close North Riley Highway at the railroad crossing to perform critical infrastructure upgrades. This closure is expected to cause major traffic impacts, and the City is proactively sharing the information with ample notice and full transparency.
Additionally, on or after Tuesday, May 27, the Central Railroad of Indiana will close North Riley Highway (formerly State Road 9) between Boggstown Road and Michigan Road/Knauf Drive in Shelbyville to conduct railroad crossing repairs. North Riley Highway is expected to reopen by the end of day on Tuesday, June 10, weather permitting. The official detour for this closure will follow Interstate 74 and State Road 44, east of Shelbyville.
While the disruption will be significant—especially for those who rely on North Riley Highway and State Road 9 as primary access routes to I-74—the City emphasizes that both rail projects are being led by independent rail companies (CSX Transportation and Central Railroad of Indiana). However, both railroads have coordinated with the City to minimize disruptions as much as possible.
“CSX was under no obligation to accommodate our school calendar, but they did,” said Mayor Scott Furgeson. “They gave the City two options: complete the work in April—while school buses were still traveling over the crossing daily—or wait until school was out. We advocated for the safer option, and CSX listened. That kind of cooperation doesn’t go unnoticed, and we sincerely thank them.”
These projects will fully reconstruct the crossings and approaches—areas that have long been the subject of citizen complaints. Though inconvenient in the short term, this work addresses those concerns and ensures long-term safety and smooth travel for both residents and freight transport.
Local Impact and Detours
The dual closures will particularly affect local commuters, industrial traffic, and residents near the project zones. Travelers are encouraged to plan alternate routes and allow extra time. The City acknowledges this hardship and is committed to transparent communication and mitigation where possible.
To ensure emergency services are minimally impacted, the Knauf Bridge will be accessible to EMS personnel only. This bridge will not be open to public traffic and is designated strictly for emergency use. Fire Station #2 will be engaged for north 9 emergencies due to close access to I-74.
City Infrastructure Improvements During Closure
To maximize the efficiency of the closure, the City of Shelbyville will simultaneously perform maintenance on the North Riley Bridge Deck, making essential repairs that would otherwise require additional closures or lane restrictions.
“It’s not ideal to shut down such a major corridor, but since the road will already be closed for CSX’s work, we’re using the time wisely to repair our own infrastructure,” said City Engineer Tyler Comstock. “We’re minimizing future disruption by coordinating these efforts now.”
Looking Ahead: North Riley Gateway Project
This closure is part of the larger North Riley Gateway Project, a transformative infrastructure initiative aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and aesthetic value along one of Shelbyville’s most trafficked corridors. Additional phases include:
Construction of interior traffic islands – currently underway, estimated completion in three weeks
Installation of the North Michigan and North Riley Highway roundabout – beginning shortly after
Final Phase: Isabelle Farms roundabout construction and total roadway resurfacing – scheduled for late summer
Important Safety Reminder
Motorists are reminded to slow down, use extra caution, and drive distraction-free in and near all work zones. All work is weather-dependent and subject to schedule changes.
Stay Informed
For real-time updates and detour information, follow the City of Shelbyville and INDOT online:
X (formerly Twitter): @INDOTEast
Mobile App: iTunes App Store and Google Play Store (search "INDOT")
About INDOT
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is responsible for planning, constructing, maintaining, and operating the State of Indiana’s more than 29,000 highway lane miles and 5,700 bridges. Learn more at in.gov/indot.
About Buckle Up Phone Down
Buckle Up Phone Down is a statewide safety campaign encouraging drivers to buckle up and put their phones down—every trip, every time. Learn more at BUPDIN.com.
Media Contacts
- Jenna Martin, Director of Public Relations, City of Shelbyville – jmartin@cityofshelbyvillein.com
- Natalie Garrett, INDOT – 812-525-0571 | nagarrett@indot.in.gov