MARTINSVILLE – It’s a holiday gift of a new interstate for drivers in Morgan County, and Governor Eric Holcomb was on hand to cut the ribbon. He joined state, local, and Indiana Department of Transportation officials on Monday to open 17 miles of free-flow highway to northbound traffic in Morgan County. I-69 Finish Line crews are building a total of 26 miles of new interstate from Martinsville to Indianapolis.
Governor Holcomb, Senate President Pro Tempore Rod Bray, and INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness thanked motorists for their patience during the year-long closure of S.R. 37. The closure allowed crews to save a full year of construction.
There was also a focus on the opportunities the new connectivity will provide. “It is about growth and opportunity for our businesses and our citizens,” said Gov. Holcomb. “It could not be overstated how important, not just today is, but over the course of the next three years as we realize I-69 in the state of Indiana.”
Five miles of roadway are signed as I-69 with a 65 mph speed limit between Indian Creek and State Road 44. Speed limits are reduced to 45 mph for ongoing construction north of Martinsville, including new overpasses at Teeters Road and Myra Lane.
Until the overpasses are completed, drivers can turn right in and right out at temporary driveways for Ozark Fisheries and Martinsville First United Methodist Church. There are rumble strips in place to remind drivers to slow down and stay alert as they merge left for slow traffic.
Drivers should also watch for vehicles adjusting to the first traffic signals north of I-69 at Banta Road and S.R. 144.
Southbound S.R. 37 remains open to one lane for local traffic that exits into Martinsville at S.R. 44/Reuben Drive. The new I-69 southbound lanes are expected to open later this week. Until then, through traffic on southbound S.R. 37 should continue to use alternate routes, including the official detour of S.R. 144, S.R. 67, and S.R. 39.
There are some tips to keep in mind as motorists adjust to having the new lanes of I-69 open to traffic. Drivers can enter and exit I-69 northbound at Southview Drive, Ohio Street/Artesian Avenue, S.R. 252/S.R. 44, and Henderson Ford Road. Drivers who may miss their exit should not try to change lanes last minute, but instead, safely proceed to the next exit.
Due to the close spacing of S.R. 252/Hospital Drive and S.R. 44/Reuben Drive, I-69 entrance and exit ramps are separated with a concrete barrier and combined into one interchange. Drivers are encouraged to slow down and follow the signage as they adjust to these ramp movements:
- S.R. 252 entering I-69 northbound: Follow the ramp underneath the S.R. 44 bridge and merge with other traffic entering I-69 northbound.
- I-69 northbound exiting onto S.R. 44: Pass through the roundabout at S.R. 252.
Crews expect to pave and open the S.R. 39/Morton Avenue connection later this week to the roundabout at Southview Drive and the I-69 northbound ramps. To learn more about roundabouts on the I-69 Finish Line interchanges, watch this short video.
S.R. 252/Hospital Drive is temporarily closed and expected to reopen by Wednesday underneath I-69 between Bynum’s Restaurant and the I-69 northbound entrance and exit ramps.
Watch for new traffic signals on Ohio Street where the I-69 entrance and exit ramps are open to traffic.
Morgan Street and Twin Branch Road access to S.R. 37 is permanently closed. You can access the area from the I-69 exit at S.R. 44/Reuben Drive to the south.
Crews hope to open the new Keystone Avenue bridge over I-465 this week. If the weather does not allow pavement sealing and striping to be completed, the opening may be pushed to early 2022.
Have you seen our project update video for Marion County? You can find it on the Photos & Videos page on our website. It provides a look at the progress made this year and focuses on the work ahead for next year.
The actual starting date and duration for work and any closures may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen activities occur.
About I-69 Finish Line
I-69 Finish Line is the sixth and final section of the Interstate 69 connection between Evansville and Indianapolis. The project will upgrade the existing State Road 37 to interstate standards between Martinsville and Indianapolis.
Governor Eric Holcomb’s Next Level Connections program fully funded the project and accelerated construction by three years. I-69 Finish Line is expected to open to traffic in late 2024, improving safety and reducing travel time.
