I-69 in Martinsville: With interstate open, here are options to get to popular spots

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. — With Interstate 69 now open through Martinsville, getting to popular destinations around the city has changed since the highway, formerly referred to as Ind. 37, was closed at the beginning of 2021.

The Indiana Department of Transportation began the process of opening a five-mile stretch of I-69 on Dec. 20, opening the northbound lanes that evening.

Related: Southbound interstate lanes now open through city.

A few days later, on Dec. 23, INDOT opened the southbound lanes.

Now that the highway is considered an interstate, access to some streets in Martinsville, like Burton Lane and Grand Valley Boulevard, have been cut, meaning motorists may need to find new ways to get to various locations throughout the city.

Here are a few ways to get to some of the more popular destinations in Martinsville.

Traderbakers and Starbucks

Traderbakers Flea Market and Starbucks are both located along Burton Lane on Martinsville's south side.

Previously, motorists could get to both businesses from Ind. 37, which had direct access to Burton Lane.

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With I-69, however, Burton Lane does not have direct access to the highway.

Motorists can exit the interstate at the Ind. 39/Morton Avenue interchange and travel northwest on Morton Avenue.

A driveway which runs between the Martinsville Taco Bell and McDonald's gives access to Traderbakers and motorists can either use the flea market's parking lot to access the Starbucks, or travel to Burton Lane and head south to the restaurant.

Both the Taco Bell and McDonald's recently moved to their new respective locations along Morton Avenue.

Another way to access these two businesses is to continue northeast on Morton Avenue until the Burton Lane intersection. At the intersection, turn south and travel along Burton Lane for about half a mile.

Indy's Family Restaurant, KFC and Holiday Inn

Similar to Traderbakers and Starbucks, businesses along Burton Lane south of I-69 have also had their access changed in the last year.

These businesses include Indy's Family Restaurant, KFC and Holiday Inn.

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Motorists can access these businesses by exiting I-69 at the Ind. 39/Morton Avenue interchange and heading to the south side of the exit to Southview Drive.

From there, travel northeast on Southview Drive to the Indy's parking lot or to Burton Lane to access KFC and the Holiday Inn.

Another way to access these three businesses is to exit the interstate at the Ohio Street/Mahalasville Road interchange and head south to Southview Drive.

Turn west onto Southview Drive and travel about one mile to the Holiday Inn, KFC and Indy's.

Kroger (grocery store and gas station), Wendy's and Burger King

Access the Kroger grocery store and its separate gas station, Wendy's and Burger King are relatively easy compared to other retail businesses.

Motorists can exit the interstate at the Ohio Street/Mahalasville Road interchange and head north along Ohio Street.

Walmart, Murphy USA, Arby's and Chili's

Direct access from the highway to the retail businesses near Grand Valley Boulevard ended before the closure of Ind. 37 in early 2021 to facilitate the construction of the Grand Valley Overpass.

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Motorists can access the Walmart, Murphy USA gas station, Arby's and Chili's a couple of ways from I-69.

One way is to exit the interstate at the Ohio Street/Mahalasville Road interchange and head south. Mahalasville Road turns east and eventually intersects with Artesian Avenue at South Elementary School. Stay straight at the stop sign to remain on Artesian Avenue and travel for about one mile to get to the businesses along Grand Valley Boulevard.

Another way to access these businesses is to exit at the Ind. 252/Hospital Drive interchange and head southeast on Ind. 252. Head south at Cramertown Loop to Grand Valley Boulevard and turn toward the west.

Martinsville High School

To access Martinsville High School, a motorist can follow the same directions to get to Walmart, but must head west on Grand Valley Boulevard and continue to the overpass.

Once a motorists has traveled over I-69 and comes to the end of the overpass, turn north onto Home Avenue and access the high school by turning right onto York Street, or continuing on Home until Grey Street and turning right into the high school parking lot.

Downtown Martinsville

There are a few options for motorists wanting to get to locations in downtown Martinsville like the Morgan County Courthouse and various restaurants, offices and retail businesses.

Motorists can exit the interstate at the Ind. 39/Morton Avenue interchange and head northeast.

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Travel about one mile until Ind. 39 veers to the northwest while Morton Avenue continues straight.

Anyone wanting to access downtown should continue to Morton Avenue.

Stay on Morton Avenue until Main Street and turn left. From there, travel about half a mile to the courthouse and other downtown locations.

Another option to get to the downtown is to exit at the Ind. 252/Hospital Drive interchange and head west on Hospital Drive.

At the Morgan Street intersection, turn left and continue on Morgan Street for about one mile to the courthouse and other downtown locations.

More updates on the I-69 Finish Line Project can be found online at i69finishline.com.

Regular updates can also be found on the project's social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter at @I69FinishLine.

Contact Reporter-Times editor Lance Gideon at lgideon@reporter-times.com or 765-342-1543. Follow him on Twitter: @LanceOGideon.

This article originally appeared on The Reporter Times: I-69 in Martinsville: Find out how to get to popular destinations