Update on I-69 Extension in Indiana

[jnewkirk77]

It's needed; that stretch has gotten pretty rough in places.

Now, I don't remember if they went through with it, but when that stretch of 69 went in, INDOT had planned that to be built with a thinner surface, and it could be built up later as needed. One of then-Gov. Daniels' cost-saving ideas.

[ITB]

It's needed; that stretch has gotten pretty rough in places.

Now, I don't remember if they went through with it, but when that stretch of 69 went in, INDOT had planned that to be built with a thinner surface, and it could be built up later as needed. One of then-Gov. Daniels' cost-saving ideas.

That stretch of asphalt pavement is now 12 years old. Typically, an asphalt surface course lasts about 10 years, so it's time.

As for the "thinner" road proposal, yes, it was given a cursory look, but was never taken seriously. To move forward with construction on the first three sections of new terrain I-69, and on a budget of $700 million, there were a lot suggestions put forward by engineers and others to save money. Bear in mind, it wasn't a slam dunk that the road would be built, particularly if financial issues arose.

Here's an interesting read detailing how engineers at the Lochmuller Group proposed and implemented suggestions to save money on Package 5 of Section 1.

Soil conditions in certain parts of Section 1, and I believe, as well, Section 2, were less than ideal. This is mentioned in the account above, in which "silty soils between CR 350S and SR 64" had to be mitigated. I remember, as well, that a heavy dead weight was dropped repeatedly on a small area to induce settlement. How well these measures have worked is still not yet fully known. To be sure, INDOT and its engineers know to some extent. It's possible that with the passage of time, there may have to be a full depth reconstruction of the roadway in certain spots. It will depend on how the road continues to hold up. But that's probably 10 or 15 years off, if not more.

[silverback1065]

I was about to say how I was surprised at how soon this was being done, but I didn't realize how old this section of 69 is already! man time flies! 

[seicer]

Is the asphalt overlay only on the asphalt sections or the concrete sections or both?

[silverback1065]

Is the asphalt overlay only on the asphalt sections or the concrete sections or both?

I would assume asphalt only. INDOT doesn't tend to resurface concrete with asphalt.

[ITB]

Is the asphalt overlay only on the asphalt sections or the concrete sections or both?

I would assume asphalt only. INDOT doesn't tend to resurface concrete with asphalt.

Although I haven't taken a look at the contract, it seems the work to be performed is simply the replacement of the surface asphalt. It probably won't be an overlay, though that is possible. They'll likely mill off about 2 inches, then put down a fresh, new surface asphalt course.

More details:

The contract's scope encompasses not only I-69 in Gibson and Pike counties, but also I-64 in Gibson, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties. On I-64, an HMA overlay — that's what the engineers term it, even though the old surface course of asphalt will be milled off — will be put down from 0.5 miles east of US 41 to 0.41 miles east of I-69. Of interest, 2 inches of asphalt will be milled off I-64, while only 1.5 inches will be removed on I-69.

[silverback1065]

the resigning of 465 has begun to add 69 to every exit and mainline they overlap. I saw new signs going up at US 52 yesterday. Control cities of Evansville and FT Wayne have been added.

[The Ghostbuster]

Obviously, the Interstate 69 markers above the existing signs were only temporary. It's good that there is finally a completed Interstate 69 throughout Indiana (save the yet-to-be-constructed Ohio River Bridge).

[ITB]

In Morgan and Monroe counties, to facilitate signage installation, lanes closures on I-69 are planned to begin Tuesday, February 11 and continue into early June, weather permitting. That's four months of temporary lane closures. Hmm. Because I'm unfamiliar with the work to be undertaken, I'm unable to comment on it. Does anyone have additional information about this project?

Read more about the planned lane closures here.

[seicer]

I have no idea. Four months is a lot of time for sign installation. Still, it's about on par with INDOT around Indianapolis, which has been replacing gantries (some aging, some only a few years old) to accommodate new signs for the addition of Interstate 69. Pouring footers should not require barriers and long-term lane closures when they are outside of the shoulder and behind existing guardrails. Some of these barriers on some Interstate 465 ramps have been up for over a half-year for these incredibly slow installations.

I've noted ODOT and KYTC do entire sign and gantry replacements with only periodic lane closures in weeks.

[ITB]

I have no idea. Four months is a lot of time for sign installation. Still, it's about on par with INDOT around Indianapolis, which has been replacing gantries (some aging, some only a few years old) to accommodate new signs for the addition of Interstate 69. Pouring footers should not require barriers and long-term lane closures when they are outside of the shoulder and behind existing guardrails. Some of these barriers on some Interstate 465 ramps have been up for over a half-year for these incredibly slow installations.

I've noted ODOT and KYTC do entire sign and gantry replacements with only periodic lane closures in weeks.

The only thing I can think of that explains the four month time frame is if they're going to upgrade or replace the electrical conduits for the signage and mast lighting. That would involve a lot of digging near the road, necessitating the lane closures. The contractor is Hummel Electric so it's a possibility.

[hobsini2]

I have no idea. Four months is a lot of time for sign installation. Still, it's about on par with INDOT around Indianapolis, which has been replacing gantries (some aging, some only a few years old) to accommodate new signs for the addition of Interstate 69. Pouring footers should not require barriers and long-term lane closures when they are outside of the shoulder and behind existing guardrails. Some of these barriers on some Interstate 465 ramps have been up for over a half-year for these incredibly slow installations.

I've noted ODOT and KYTC do entire sign and gantry replacements with only periodic lane closures in weeks.

The only thing I can think of that explains the four month time frame is if they're going to upgrade or replace the electrical conduits for the signage and mast lighting. That would involve a lot of digging near the road, necessitating the lane closures. The contractor is Hummel Electric so it's a possibility.

Are they using lighting on the sign gantries? When I drove through there last weekend, it looked like the high reflective grade was being used so there wouldn't be a need for lighting on the gantries. So I am puzzled with the need for electrical work on a gantry. Unless I am completely missing something here.

[Great Lakes Roads]

I have no idea. Four months is a lot of time for sign installation. Still, it's about on par with INDOT around Indianapolis, which has been replacing gantries (some aging, some only a few years old) to accommodate new signs for the addition of Interstate 69. Pouring footers should not require barriers and long-term lane closures when they are outside of the shoulder and behind existing guardrails. Some of these barriers on some Interstate 465 ramps have been up for over a half-year for these incredibly slow installations.

I've noted ODOT and KYTC do entire sign and gantry replacements with only periodic lane closures in weeks.

The only thing I can think of that explains the four month time frame is if they're going to upgrade or replace the electrical conduits for the signage and mast lighting. That would involve a lot of digging near the road, necessitating the lane closures. The contractor is Hummel Electric so it's a possibility.

Are they using lighting on the sign gantries? When I drove through there last weekend, it looked like the high reflective grade was being used so there wouldn't be a need for lighting on the gantries. So I am puzzled with the need for electrical work on a gantry. Unless I am completely missing something here.

If I remember correctly, they are installing lighting at interchanges south of Bloomington to exit 22 (with the exception of exit 87)... This is also happening on US 31 around Kokomo.

[ITB]

I have no idea. Four months is a lot of time for sign installation. Still, it's about on par with INDOT around Indianapolis, which has been replacing gantries (some aging, some only a few years old) to accommodate new signs for the addition of Interstate 69. Pouring footers should not require barriers and long-term lane closures when they are outside of the shoulder and behind existing guardrails. Some of these barriers on some Interstate 465 ramps have been up for over a half-year for these incredibly slow installations.

I've noted ODOT and KYTC do entire sign and gantry replacements with only periodic lane closures in weeks.

The only thing I can think of that explains the four month time frame is if they're going to upgrade or replace the electrical conduits for the signage and mast lighting. That would involve a lot of digging near the road, necessitating the lane closures. The contractor is Hummel Electric so it's a possibility.

Are they using lighting on the sign gantries? When I drove through there last weekend, it looked like the high reflective grade was being used so there wouldn't be a need for lighting on the gantries. So I am puzzled with the need for electrical work on a gantry. Unless I am completely missing something here.

After some research, it appears the signage project involves installing Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) and traffic cameras. Because work will be undertaken at separate locations in Monroe and Morgan counties, it points to a minimum of two signs installed. Despite an in-depth search, I couldn't find the contract for the project nor any additional details. As such, it's not possible to say exactly where the signs will be placed nor how many there will be in total.

[silverback1065]

I have no idea. Four months is a lot of time for sign installation. Still, it's about on par with INDOT around Indianapolis, which has been replacing gantries (some aging, some only a few years old) to accommodate new signs for the addition of Interstate 69. Pouring footers should not require barriers and long-term lane closures when they are outside of the shoulder and behind existing guardrails. Some of these barriers on some Interstate 465 ramps have been up for over a half-year for these incredibly slow installations.

I've noted ODOT and KYTC do entire sign and gantry replacements with only periodic lane closures in weeks.

The only thing I can think of that explains the four month time frame is if they're going to upgrade or replace the electrical conduits for the signage and mast lighting. That would involve a lot of digging near the road, necessitating the lane closures. The contractor is Hummel Electric so it's a possibility.

Are they using lighting on the sign gantries? When I drove through there last weekend, it looked like the high reflective grade was being used so there wouldn't be a need for lighting on the gantries. So I am puzzled with the need for electrical work on a gantry. Unless I am completely missing something here.

After some research, it appears the signage project involves installing Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) and traffic cameras. Because work will be undertaken at separate locations in Monroe and Morgan counties, it points to a minimum of two signs installed. Despite a in-depth search, I couldn't find the contract for the project nor any additional details. As such, it's not possible to say exactly where the signs will be placed nor how many there will be in total.

if that's the case I bet the delay is the conduit for the DMS signs.

[Moose]

"The intersection of Epler Ave. and S.R. 37 will open to traffic on or after Tuesday, Feb. 11. Occasional 20-minute stops will be needed at night to hang traffic signals and complete incidental work in the area. In late spring when warmer weather arrives, crews will place the final pavement surface and pavement markings at the intersection."

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1179605247498829&set=a.516173620508665

[ITB]

It's been a while since I posted any pictures, so here's a few photos of I-69 in Bloomington, featuring signage. Photos were Sunday, March 2, 2025, unless otherwise noted.


On the south side of Bloomington, looking north from the Rockport Road overpass toward I-69 and the Fullerton Pike interchange.


With the zoom lens, looking south from the Rockport Road overpass toward the I-69/SR 37 juncture. While there are other major I-69 interchanges between Indianapolis and Evansville — US 50, SR 252, Southport Road, to name three — the SR 37 juncture might be the most significant in that SR 37, situated between I-65 and I-69, serves as the principal north-south arterial for a large part of southern Indiana.


Mid-range shot looking north toward the Rockport Road overpass, with the Fullerton Pike interchange and overpass in the background.


Another view looking south from the Rockport Road overpass. Although the image features dark shadows, I chose not to lighten it up because I like how the I-69 shield stands out.


Changing locations, here's the under construction extension of Fullerton Pike east of the I-69/Fullerton Pike interchange; looking east from near the Fullerton Pike/Rockport Road intersection. The project is expected to complete in July 2025.


Photo was taken September 19, 2024.
The view from early Fall 2024, just a few weeks before the bridge deck pour. This project, penciled in at $17 million, will connect Fullerton Pike — and I-69/Fullerton Pike interchange — to Gordon Pike/Rhorer Road, thus forming a complete arterial on the south side of Bloomington.


Perspective with rows of sound wall panels in the foreground. The sound wall will likely be built at the other end of the project, near the crest of the hill in the background. It seems the panels have been staged at this location because there was room to do so.


Another look north from the Rockport Road overpass.


Mid-range shot looking south, showing a sliver of the fence denoting the border of I-69's right-of-way. It's a simple wire mesh fence, topped with a single strand of barbed wire.


Another zoomed in look south from the Rockport Road overpass. It's worth remembering that for several decades before I-69 was built State Road 37 was southwest Indiana's main road, linking several small towns to Bloomington, and Bloomington to Indianapolis. And prior to SR 37 becoming SR 37, it was the Dixie Highway from Indianapolis to Paoli.


One more, a long range view looking east toward the Fullerton Pike extension project.

Going forward, I'd like to take some photos of I-69 and its signage further south in the state, in Pike and Daviess counties, for example. We'll see.

[ITB]

For your viewing pleasure, another batch of photos of Section 3 — the Indiana approach roadways and bridges to the future I-69 Ohio River bridge — grabbed from the ORX Project website.


Credit: I-69 Ohio River Crossing                                                                                                  Photo date: December 5, 2024
On the south side of Evansville, looking north from just north of the Ohio River. Looks like good progress was made during the winter months constructing piers. A sliver of I-69 is visible in the background.


Credit: I-69 Ohio River Crossing                                                                                                  Photo date: December 5, 2024
Turning around, the view looking south with the Ohio River in the background.


Credit: I-69 Ohio River Crossing                                                                                                  Photo date: February 5, 2025
Setting the forms for a pier cap.


Credit: I-69 Ohio River Crossing                                                                                                  Photo date: December 5, 2024
View looking southwest, with a slice of I-69 in the foreground.


Credit: I-69 Ohio River Crossing                                                                                                  Photo date: November 14, 2024
Rebar stem of Pier 9.


Credit: I-69 Ohio River Crossing                                                                                                  Photo date: February 5, 2025
Rebar cage for a column stem.


Credit: I-69 Ohio River Crossing                                                                                                  Photo date: February 25, 2025
In late February, again looking north.