INDIANAPOLIS -- U.S. 40 is about to undergo a major transformation in eastern Marion County as part of two multimillion-dollar projects that began in 2008.

The Indiana Department of Transportation, along with two contractors, planned a meeting Monday night to talk about two adjacent projects that will transform the highway, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

INDOT said the construction aims to improve safety by modernizing traffic signs and signals and adding more lanes. The projects, which will both be in full swing within the next two weeks, will widen Washington Street between Franklin road and Washington Square Mall, as part of a $20.8 million project.

"It was just time to add some added lanes for the capacity that has grown up through the years," said Ashley Hungate, of INDOT.

Washington Street will also be improved between German Church Road and the eastern edge of Cumberland in a separate $13.8 million project.

"There will be added travel lanes all the way to German Church Road," Hungate said. "Through Cumberland, there will be enhanced pedestrian access, as well as improved signal timing and improved signals."

The Cumberland project also includes decorative lighting and medians, bike racks and park benches.

John Traverso, of Elite Beverages in Cumberland, expects business to drop off precipitously as the project gets into full swing, but added that the east side needs attention.

"I think in the long run, it's going to be a good thing," Traverso said.

One lane of traffic will be kept open in each direction so customers will have access to businesses.

Money raised from the Indiana Toll Road lease is footing the bill as part of Major Moves, series of road improvement projects that Gov. Mitch Daniels championed.

A public meeting concerning the projects will be held Monday night at Cumberland Town Hall. It's expected both projects will be completed within two years.