HAMILTON COUNTY

Carmel to replace water and sewer lines at Merchants Square; businesses to stay open during phased work

Carmel Utilities announced on 2026-10-11 a project to modernize water and sanitary sewer networks at Merchants Square northwest of Keystone Parkway and 116th Street. Work is expected to begin by the end of October and continue in 13 rolling phases through mid-2027; businesses will remain open and detour signs will be posted.

BUSINESSINDY BRIEFBy BusinessIndy Editorial StaffCommentsPublished October 11, 2026 at 9:33 PM EDT

AI-generated illustration of the topic: Carmel to replace water and sewer lines at Merchants Square; businesses to stay open during phased work — AI illustration · Not a photograph of the reported event.

Carmel Utilities announced on 2026-10-11 it will upgrade aging water and sanitary sewer infrastructure at Merchants Square, the commercial area northwest of Keystone Parkway and 116th Street. The utility said work is expected to begin by the end of October and continue in 13 rolling phases through mid-2027, with the first phase under Keystone Way just west of Keystone Parkway and later phases moving west toward AAA Way and the 116th Street roundabout.

The utility said other roadways that will be impacted include Merchants Square Drive, Medical Drive and Range Line Road. Carmel Utilities said businesses in Merchants Square will remain open and accessible throughout the project, detour signs will be posted in advance of each stage, and customers with questions may contact Carmel Utilities Customer Service at 317-571-2442. (Source: Current Publishing, 2026-10-11.)

WHY IT MATTERS

What changed and who notices: Carmel Utilities plans a multi-phase replacement of water and sewer pipes in a concentrated commercial area. That means drivers, customers and delivery services should expect intermittent, planned traffic shifts near Keystone Way, Merchants Square Drive, Medical Drive and Range Line Road while crews work in successive locations.

How the process works, step by step: the utility will carry out the project in 13 rolling phases announced on 2026-10-11, beginning with work under Keystone Way just west of Keystone Parkway. “Rolling phases” here refers to a sequence of separate work stages the utility described; the utility also said detour signs will be posted before each stage. Businesses are not being closed for the work; the utility explicitly said Merchants Square businesses will remain open and accessible during construction.

What this means for decisions: customers and business operators should watch for posted detour signage and temporary route changes and plan deliveries or visits accordingly. For example, if you frequent a restaurant or store in the area, check access routes before traveling rather than assuming the usual entrance will be open.

Next steps to watch: the utility expects work to be under way by the end of October and to continue through mid-2027. For updates or specific timing for a phase that affects your property or route, contact Carmel Utilities Customer Service at 317-571-2442.

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Current Publishing: Infrastructure upgrades to begin soon at Carmel’s Merchants Square ↗

Primary reporting or source material published October 11, 2026 at 9:21 PM EDT. Prepared with AI assistance from the linked research; material claims remain attributed in the article.

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