INDIANA – Over the course of two weekends in March, the traffic patterns on I-465 on the southwest side of Indianapolis will change dramatically. The new configuration will allow I-69 Finish Line to enter its next phase of construction: widening and rebuilding I-465 eastbound, which will include a new bridge over the White River.
The work needed to move all traffic onto the westbound lanes of I-465 is very weather dependent – temperatures can’t be too cold and the pavement has to be completely dry. Crews are targeting the weekends of March 10-13 and March 17-20 to make the switch, but those dates are subject to change.
During the first weekend traffic on westbound I-465 between I-65 and I-70 will be limited to a single lane from 8 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday. The restrictions will allow crews to shift westbound lanes to the north in preparation for an eastbound switch later in the month.
To reduce traffic volume and conflict points, several westbound entrance ramps onto I-465 will close during the weekend double lane restrictions. From Friday at 8 p.m. to Monday at 5 a.m. access to I-465 westbound from I-65 southbound, I-65 northbound, U.S. 31 southbound, U.S. 31 northbound, and S.R 37 (Harding Street) will be closed.
During the second weekend, eastbound I-465 will be restricted to a single lane of traffic from 8 p.m. on Friday through 5 a.m. on Monday. The double lane closure on eastbound I-465 will allow crews to shift all I-465 traffic onto the westbound lanes.
To reduce traffic volume and conflict points, several eastbound entrance ramps to I-465 will close during the weekend double lane restrictions. From Friday 8 p.m. to Monday 5 a.m., access to I-465 eastbound from I-70 eastbound, S.R. 67 (Kentucky Avenue), Mann Road, S.R. 37 (Harding Street), U.S. 31 southbound, and U.S. 31 northbound will be closed.
Be sure to follow I-69 Finish Line on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest on the timing of the two weekends of lane restrictions and ramp closures. There will be more details and traffic maps in next week’s On Track.
Finish Line crews expect to continue median work along I-465. Outside shoulder strengthening is expected to start next week, so be ready for lane closures.
Starting Wednesday next week flagging will commence at the entrance of Governors Pointe. Crews will be installing a drainage structure adjacent to Southport Road. Motorists will use a crushed stone driving surface to gain access in and out of Governors Pointe.
Motorists in Johnson County should expect short delays at the intersection of Smith Valley Road and S.R. 37 interchange as crews pour the new bridge deck for the Smith Valley Road overpass starting around 5 a.m. on Wednesday. Please be courteous and slow down on S.R. 37, as crews will be working on the shoulder.
The Smith Valley Road is the last bridge deck to be poured over existing S.R. 37. Click here to watch how Finish Line crews constructed the Smith Valley Road and Southport Road bridge.
The actual starting date and duration for work and any closures may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen activities occur.
