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 5-mile project corridor stretches from north of the I-465 interchange to just south of Washington Street.
The project is letting as a single contract with three lead designation (Des) numbers that include:
- I-65 Safety and Efficiency Corridor Improvements
- I-65/I-70 Pavement Replacement
- Abandoned Railroad Bridge Removal
I-65 Safety and Efficiency includes planned improvements for I-65 on the southeast side of Indianapolis. The 5-mile project corridor stretches from north of the I-465 interchange to Washington Street.
I-65 Safety and Efficiency corridor improvements include added capacity, the widening of three bridges, the replacement of one bridge, pavement patching and resurfacing and improvements to multiple drainage structures.
Construction began in spring 2025 and is expected to be substantially complete at the end of 2026 with no traffic restrictions planned in 2027.
Learn more on the improvements page.
The existing I-65 is six through lanes, three in each direction, with ramp lanes near interchanges. A travel lane will be added in each direction from north of the I-465 interchange to just north of Fletcher Avenue, mainly using the existing shoulder. Upon completion, there will be a total of four travel lanes in each direction between I-465 and I-70.
The Hanna Avenue bridge over I-65 was replaced in 2025 and includes improved, widened sidewalks. 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.
In 2026, crews are focused on adding capacity to the outside of I-65 corridor-wide and replacing pavement on I-65/I-70 near downtown Indianapolis. This follows major progress in 2025, when crews added capacity using the inside shoulder and replaced the Hanna Avenue bridge over I-65.
Pavement just north of the Fletcher Avenue overpass to just south of Washington Street will be replaced. Work also includes removal of the closed ramp between Virginia Avenue and Calvary Street.
The storm sewer system will be replaced, and the Weigh in Motion (WIM) station will also be replaced.
Construction began in spring 2026 and is expected to last through the end of the year.
The abandoned railroad bridge north of Fletcher Avenue over I-65/I-70 was removed in spring 2026 because it was no longer being used and offered low-clearance for semi drivers on I-65/I-70.
Learn more on the improvements page.
The needs for the highway improvements stem from current and projected congestion during peak hours (i.e., rush hour) and current pavement conditions along this section of I-65.
The needs for the proposed bridge work stem from the current conditions of the bridges and related pedestrian facilities.
The purpose of the project is to:
- Reduce corridor congestion and provide a roadway meeting needs through design year 2045;
- Extend the life of the existing pavement by at least 10 years;
- Provide drainage features that will meet current Indiana Design Manual standards;
- Extend the service life of the bridges within the project corridor by at least 10 years;
- Provide a condition rating of at least 7 out of 9, or good condition for rehabilitated bridges; and
- Improve pedestrian facilities by meeting current Indiana Design Manual standards.
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 is separate from the ProPEL Indy study. That study includes I-65 and I-70 inside the I-465 loop. I-65 S&E improvements are programmed and will not restrict or impede work that is part of ProPEL Indy.
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 or calling INDOT at 855-INDOT4U (855-463-6848).
