INDIANAPOLIS – It’ll be a familiar story—in reverse—for Indianapolis drivers.
This week, the Indiana Department of Transportation will close I-465 northbound between I-65 and I-70 for a three-week pavement project.
The closure will allow crews to perform pavement repairs, joint repairs and bridge deck work along the I-465 southeast corridor. A similar closure affecting the southbound lanes started on May 31 and wrapped up on June 22.
Which ramps are closing and when?
Several ramps to northbound/eastbound I-465 will close as part of the project, preventing traffic from entering the interstate. The closures, which will come in a few waves, begin on Friday.
Here’s the list of affected ramps:
- Northbound and southbound I-65 to northbound/eastbound I-465 (7/12 at 9 p.m.)
- Eastbound and westbound Washington St./U.S. 40 to northbound I-465 (7/12 at 9 p.m.)
- Eastbound and westbound Brookville Rd./U.S. 52 to northbound I-465 (7/12 at 9 p.m.)
- Southbound Shadeland Ave. to northbound I-465 (7/12 at 11 p.m.)
- Southeastern Ave./Old U.S. 421 to northbound I-465 (7/13 at 4 a.m.)
- I-74 westbound to northbound I-465 (7/12 at 7 p.m.)
- Northbound and southbound Emerson Ave. to eastbound I-465 (7/12 at 7 p.m.)
- Northbound Shadeland Ave. to northbound I-465 (7/12 at 11 p.m.)
Are there any other lane closures?
Yes. On weekdays, traffic on I-465 northbound will be reduced to three lanes between the I-465/I-70 interchange to 56th Street. On weekends, traffic will be reduced to two lanes.
Why is INDOT closing the entire interstate?
INDOT could have elected for a series of staggered, localized closings. That strategy, however, would likely span several months and inconvenience drivers on a day-by-day basis.
Closing the interstate entirely allows crews to work on the interstate without worrying about oncoming vehicles. They can also work around the clock, including at night, seven days a week.
How long will the project last?
The northbound project is slated to last 21 days, similar to the southbound work.
INDOT plans to reopen the northbound side by the morning commute on Aug. 5. Like the southbound project, crews will have three weeks to get as much done as they possibly can in that span.
The agency isn’t allotting any additional time for the repairs.
What’s the detour?
INDOT’s official detour is I-65 northbound to I-70 eastbound back to I-465 northbound.
Like last time, the recommended detour means drivers will see additional traffic on I-65 and I-70 through the downtown Indianapolis area.
If the last closure was any indication, drivers should give themselves plenty of extra time and consider any alternate routes.
What's INDOT saying?
Kyleigh Cramer, the agency's public relations director, said the closure will allow crews to make some oft-requested repairs.
"[We're focusing on] things we have gotten a lot of calls on. So, a lot of potholes, a lot of repairs, ones people have seen on the roads," Cramer said. "So, we’re addressing all those concerns we’ve seen previously."
Cramer said INDOT believes the closure will be worth it in the end.
"We received a lot of great feedback regarding the southbound lanes and we really appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding," she said. "I think a lot of people are seeing the hard work pay off, so we’re asking the same thing for our southbound lanes as well, making sure folks know the detour, using the best route that suits themselves."
Cramer reminded drivers that all lanes of southbound 465 will remain open for the duration of the northbound project.