Drivers who use Beech Road through the New Albany International Business Park should prepare for 15 months of construction starting in September, including a stretch when the road will carry northbound traffic only.
The city announced Aug. 6, that reconstruction of Beech Road between Smith's Mill Road and Jug Street will widen most of the corridor from three lanes to four, expand the Jug Street intersection, and replace pavement, curbs, storm sewers, street lighting and traffic signals. Work is expected to wrap up in December 2027.
The project serves one of the busiest corridors in the more than 9,000-acre business park, which is home to data center operations run by Meta, Amazon Web Services and Google, among other employers. The park accounts for 43 million square feet of commercial space and roughly 27,000 jobs, according to the city's 2025 annual report.
Traffic impacts
Business access will remain open throughout construction, but traffic patterns will shift phase by phase. During at least one phase, Beech Road will be restricted to northbound traffic only. The city has not specified when that restriction will take effect or how long it will last.
The city's Public Service Department, led by Director Ryan Ohly, hosted a public meeting Wednesday, July 22, where representatives from more than 20 businesses reviewed construction plans and timelines. The city said the meeting was an opportunity to share information and continue working with businesses as it invests in infrastructure supporting the business park's long-term growth.
Recent council action
New Albany City Council on Aug. 4, approved a resolution declaring intent to acquire land and easements needed for the Beech Road improvements. That land-acquisition step preceded this week's formal construction announcement.
The city has not disclosed the project's total cost. The announcement specifies that "most" of the corridor will be widened, suggesting at least one segment will remain at three lanes, though officials did not identify which portion.
Construction begins in September. Residents and business owners can direct questions to the New Albany Public Service Department.
