INDIANAPOLIS – While Hoosiers hailed the opening of the I-69/I-465 interchange this week, more work is ahead in the area.
On Tuesday, officials announced the sixth and final phase of the long-awaited I-69 extension would open to traffic. The Indiana Department of Transportation started the process Tuesday night; traffic was visible on I-69 southbound from the interchange early Wednesday morning.
The opening involved the eastbound and westbound I-465 ramps to I-69 southbound and the Epler Avenue ramp to southbound I-69.
Starting on Friday night, it’ll be northbound’s turn. INDOT planned to open the northbound I-69 ramps to eastbound and westbound I-465, as well as the I-69 exit ramp to Epler Avenue.
Once INDOT opens those additional ramps, I-69 will run continuously from Evansville to the Canadian border at Port Huron, Michigan.
Harding Street exits closing
Even with the interstate opening, work near the interchange will continue, with INDOT expecting construction related to the I-69 Finish Line project to continue through the end of 2024.
Drivers should expect temporary lane closures and reduced speed limits as needed while crews complete bridge and pavement work. They’re currently prepping I-465 for its permanent configuration.
Part of that effort will involve closing the Harding Street interchange for up to two months.
INDOT will close the westbound I-465 exit ramp to Harding Street and the Harding Street exit ramp to eastbound I-465. That’s scheduled to start “on or after” Sunday, Aug. 11. The closure will last up to 60 days.
In mid-October, the eastbound I-465 exit ramp to Harding Street will close, as will the Harding Street entrance ramp to westbound I-465. Like the other closure, this one is expected to last up to 60 days.
The recommended detour involves Southport Road, I-69 and Epler Avenue. Find more information here and here.
Additional restrictions planned
Drivers will also need to watch for nightly restrictions on westbound I-465 between I-65 and I-70. The interstate will be reduced to one lane with 20-minute stoppages between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. through Saturday, Aug. 10.
Work includes paving, traffic shifts, bridge beam delivery and placement. INDOT said drivers should expect delays and recommended an alternate route.
In addition, the westbound I-465 exit ramp at Mann Road closed on Friday, July 26, for pavement reconstruction in the westbound lanes. INDOT said the closure would last up to 60 days.
Drivers needing to reach Mann Road (Exit 7) from westbound I-465 should use the Kentucky Avenue/State Road 67 exit (Exit 8). Learn more here.
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