Directions Needed on US 31 (college, bad areas, areas)

[indylife]

I want to drive from the South side to the North side on US 31 on a regular basis but want to avoid highways. My destination is 178th and US 31 (say).

I can take US 31/Meridian all the way through but find the stretch through downtown slow. Are there alternatives? I thought of finding roads to the East of Meridian (such as Delaware to Mass Ave to College to Fall Creek to Keystone). Does this take me through areas I should avoid?

Please suggest a route.

Thanks.

[Toxic Toast]

If you are worried about the downtown part of Meridian being too slow, just go one block over to Illinois Street. It is one way all the way up to 38th Street. Then, turn right on 38th and left on Meridian. It is one block west of Meridian. Going back into downtown, Capitol Ave is one way south starting at 38th Street. Driving all the way to Keystone just to avoid Meridian Street downtown sounds like a colossal waste of time.

[indylife]

> just go one block over to Illinois Street. It is one way all the way up to 38th Street. Then, turn right on 38th and left on Meridian. It is one block west of Meridian. Going back into downtown, Capitol Ave is one way south starting at 38th Street.

Thanks. This is exactly the kind of specific advice I wanted. Will try this route soon.

> Driving all the way to Keystone just to avoid Meridian Street downtown sounds like a colossal waste of time.

OK. One iddy biddy argument in favor of Keystone is that I can drive fast on Keystone Parkway from 96th to 146th Street, which should be better than US 31 North. However, this may not make up for the extra effort expended south. I will try your suggestion. The one way traffic (on Illinois and Capitol) should help going North and South.

[missik999]

I take Keystone, every day. It is slightly out of the way but you make up for it with faster travel between 96 and 146th St.

[indylife]

Originally Posted by missik999

I take Keystone, every day. It is slightly out of the way but you make up for it with faster travel between 96 and 146th St.

Interesting. How do you get to Keystone from Merdian and Georgia? Are any bad areas involved?

[I am still going to check that Illinois/Capitol suggestion for a few days first. Keystone is Plan B.]

[missik999]

1. Get to College, then north on College to Fall Creek.

2. Right on Fall Creek to Keystone.

3. Left on Keystone, and stay on Keystone all the way to 146th.

[mike0618]

Keystone from 96 to 146 is one big speed trap. It is 50mph and no lights but dont go more than 53. Unless you want a ticket.

Soon 31 north will be just as fast once they replace all those lights with roundabouts and off ramps.