About The Project
I-65 Safety and Efficiency includes planned improvements for I-65 on the southeast side of Indianapolis The nearly 5-mile corridor stretches from north of the I-465 interchange to just north of Fletcher Avenue in downtown Indianapolis.
Project Overview
- I-65 Safety and Efficiency is an Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) project that is expected to reduce corridor congestion, improve traffic flow, improve safety and extend the life of existing pavement along this section of I-65.
- The project is expected to include added capacity, the widening of three bridges, the replacement of one bridge, pavement patching and resurfacing and improvements to multiple drainage structures.
- No changes are planned in vehicular access to on and off ramps.
Planned Improvements
- I-65 Safety and Efficiency is expected to add one lane in each direction between I-465 and I-70 for a total of four travel lanes in each direction.
- Most added capacity is gained by using the inside existing shoulder. For the southern third of the project, widening is planned to the outside of existing lanes.
- The Hanna Avenue bridge over I-65 is expected to be replaced as part of the project and will be able to accommodate a future pedestrian pathway.
- The northbound bridges over Naomi St. and E Pleasant Run (North and South) parkways will be widened.
- The northbound bridge over Morris/Prospect Street will be rehabilitated and widened.
What’s Happening Now
- The project is in the environmental analysis and design stage.
- The Project Team is coordinating with local, state and federal officials throughout project development.
- Public input is an important part of project development. Public input will be solicited throughout project development.
- Public touchpoints include a project website, social media channels, project e-mails and text alerts, stakeholder meetings, public meetings and a public hearing that will be followed by a formal comment period.
- During development of the project, the Project Team will compare current and anticipated noise levels. Proposed noise abatement measures identified during analysis and found to be cost-effective are expected to be included in the project.
More About the Project
- Construction is expected to begin in 2025 and last up to two years. I-65 will remain open to traffic during construction. Temporary closures may be needed for I-65 ramps and local streets.
- Most of the work will happen within existing right-of-way (ROW). Limited strips of ROW will be needed near the Hanna Avenue bridge.
- The project will connect with previous I-65 improvements, including the Keystone Avenue bridge.
- The Project Team will work to minimize impacts to existing trails and bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
- Questions about the project should be directed to INDOT4U and mention the I-65 Safety and Efficiency project.
