Frequently Asked Questions
I-65 Safety and Efficiency is an Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) project that is expected to improve traffic flow and safety along 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.
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.
Improved traffic flow, especially during peak travel times, is expected to reduce crashes along the corridor including rear-end crashes and crashes resulting from improper lane changes and failure to yield. Additional travel lanes will increase capacity and improve traffic flow. Patching and resurfacing I-65 will improve pavement and bridge conditions and minimize the need for future repairs.
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.
The existing I-65 is six through lanes, three in each direction, with ramp lanes near interchanges. I-65 Safety and Efficiency will primarily utilize the existing shoulder to add one lane in each direction between I-465 and I-70 for a total of four travel lanes in each direction.
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 Street and E. Pleasant Run (North and South) parkways will be widened, and the northbound bridge over Morris/Prospect Street will be rehabilitated and widened.
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 Team expects that less than one acre of permanent and/or temporary ROW will be needed for project construction.
The Project Team is studying historic properties and resources in the project area. The Section 106 process includes efforts to identify historic properties potentially impacted and identify ways to avoid, minimize or mitigate any adverse effects.
Construction is expected to begin in 2025 and last up to two years.
This project is in the environmental analysis and preliminary design stage with the Project Team coordinating with local, state and federal officials throughout project development.
The Project Team is comparing current and expected traffic volumes, road location and vegetation to analyze the need for noise abatement measures. Measures identified as cost-effective under INDOT’s Noise Policy are expected to be included in construction plans for the project. Added noise barriers could impact needed right-of-way for the project.
The Project Team is developing maintenance of traffic plans and will coordinate with first responders, school districts and community leaders. I-65 is expected to remain open to at least two lanes in each direction for peak travel times during construction. Temporary closures may be needed for I-65 ramps and local streets, such as the Hanna Avenue and Naomi Street crossings.
The Project Team is looking for opportunities within this project to improve connectivity in the area, such as sidewalk improvements. The team is working to minimize impacts to existing trails and bicycle and pedestrian facilities during construction, and all existing connectivity will be maintained when the project is complete. The Hanna Avenue bridge over I-65 is expected to be replaced as part of the project, and the new bridge will be able to accommodate a future pedestrian pathway.
I-65 Safety and Efficiency is separate from the ProPEL Indy study. That study includes I-65 and I-70 inside the I-465 loop. It does not include the North Split area and ongoing projects (like I-65 S&E). I-65 S&E improvements are programmed and will not restrict or impede work that is part of ProPEL Indy.
Subscribe to email updates on the project website, I65SafetyandEfficiency.com. Text “INDOT I65SandE” to 468311 for text message updates. For social media updates, follow I-65 Safety and Efficiency on Facebook and Twitter.
INDOT is the owner of the project and Parsons Corp. is the lead project development and design firm. To connect with the Project Team, reference the I-65 Safety and Efficiency project when visiting www.indot4u.com, calling INDOT at 855-INDOT4U (855-463-6848) or emailing INDOT@indot.in.gov.
