INDIANAPOLIS – While crews continue to make great progress on the closed westbound lanes of I-465, this is a reminder that other parts of the I-69 Finish Line Corridor — while open — remain active construction zones that require motorists to pay attention and reduce their speeds.
As you travel I-69/State Road 37 northbound and approach the State Road 144 interchange, be alert that the two travel lanes merge into a single lane to allow for bridge and mainline work. Traffic generally flows smoothly, but you may encounter backups during peak times. Be sure to slow down and leave ample room between vehicles. This lane restriction will be in place for the remainder of the construction season.
Just north of S.R. 144, S.R. 37 returns to two travel lanes, but the route shifts to the opposite side of the divided highway between Smith Valley Road and Banta Road. These temporary northbound lanes run alongside the southbound lanes with a concrete barrier-divider (pictured). This configuration will continue through October.
Please adhere to the 45-mph speed limit and be aware of reduced lanes in some areas, such as under the new S.R. 144 bridge and where other maintenance activities are being performed.
Westbound lanes of I-465 (between I-65 and I-70 on the southwest side of Indianapolis) remain fully closed.
Crews are making significant progress with bridge overlays, road surface upgrades, installation of drainage pipes and major earthwork in the medians.
During the closure of westbound I-465 the following ramps are closed to traffic:
- I-65 to I-465 westbound
- U.S. 31/East Street to I-465 westbound
- Harding Street/S.R. 37 to I-465 westbound
- Kentucky Avenue/S.R. 67 to I-465 westbound
Motorists traveling eastbound on I-465 are reminded to keep their eyes on the road. Watch for trucks entering and exiting I-465 through gaps in the barrier walls, be aware of intermittent lane restrictions, and monitor your speed.
Southbound U.S. 31/East Street ramp to I-465 westbound will remain closed into 2024.
A preview of what’s to come: Once the westbound lanes of I-465 lanes reopen in late July, traffic in that direction will return to temporary lanes so that work on added capacity can begin.
Belmont Avenue between Banta Road and Epler Avenue is closed permanently to through traffic. Local access south of the closure point on Belmont is from Banta Road. Local access north of the closure point is from Epler Avenue. Belmont Avenue is expected to reopen on a new alignment in 2024.
As needed, there may be 20-minute traffic stoppages on Bluff Road, Meridian Street, and Harding Street between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Watch for crews working in the median and along the shoulders of I-69 and S.R. 37.
Caleb Frey, senior project manager, Rieth-Riley Construction Company, is proud of the legacy his team is making along the corridor. In the below video he talks about some of the milestones that have recently occurred along future I-69.
Also, in this video (where the shifted NB S.R. 37 lanes are visible in the background) he has one other request he hopes motorists will heed.
The actual starting date and duration for work and any closures may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen activities occur.
