Update on I-69 Extension in Indiana

[The Ghostbuster]

I think they should have renumbered the existing mileposts and exit numbers on pre-existing Interstate 69 by the mileage of the distance 69 was being extended, which is 184 miles. However, what was done is done.

[SSR_317]

As we all know the northern section of 69 starts at the 200 mile marker even though its off 20 miles or so. Is this common around the country to do this?

No, but INDOT wanted to get the renumbering along the original "Classic I-69" out of the way, and at the time didn't yet know the exact routing (and thus the mileage) of the southern extension. So they decided that adding 200 to the existing exit numbers would suffice. That decision had the added benefit of making it easier on the motorists already familiar with I-69 in that it was consistent..."Just add (or subtract) 200!".

Now if they had just called the "southern extension" Interstate 63 (at least to Memphis), it not only would have fit into the overall Interstate numbering plan better, but would've had the added advantage of not having to change the pre-existing I-69 exit numbers, and would have eliminated this mileage discrepancy altogether. Of course then they would've lost the meaningless benefit of "One number from Canada to México", but with the suffixed southern ends in Texas, they really didn't get that in the current scheme anyway.

[mvak36]

Are they planning to update the mile markers once 69 is done? Or will they leave those as they are? It feels like this was discussed previously on one of these threads, but I can't remember.

[The Ghostbuster]

They will likely leave them as-is, much as I personally dislike it.

[tdindy88]

I did a interesting exercise in the routing of I-69 through Indianapolis. If I-69 was routed along I-465 from Exit 5 east to Exit 53 (the south side I-65 interchange) and then multiplexed with I-65 north through the city and all the way to Exit 123 and then routed along I-465 across the northwest and north sides to Exit 37, it would be roughly a 38-39 mile routing. That would fill the gap between mile markers 163 and 200 a lot better. Not perfect but a lot closer. Not that any of this would happen of course, it would be a ridiculous routing. But if we were to be pedantic let's do it with some style!

As much as I'd like to see them update the mileage on the northern part of I-69, I can live with it remaining as it is. Few Hoosiers probably truly care exactly about this sort of thing.

[ilpt4u]

Would AASHTO or FHWA consider not giving final approval to sign the final segment of 69 being constructed now and also not along 465 until the mileage is fixed?

I mean, FHWA did lay out a list of things, that includes standardized mile markers and exit numbers for both INDOT and KYTC, before I-265 can be signed between I-65/IN and I-71 aka the "East End Crossing" which is still not complete, despite the bridge/route linking the previously physically disconnected I-265s being open since late 2016!

[Rothman]

Would AASHTO or FHWA consider not giving final approval to sign the final segment of 69 being constructed now and also not along 465 until the mileage is fixed?

AASHTO isn't involved in capital project progression.

My bet on FHWA: No.

[silverback1065]

the Mexico to Canada thing was more of a gimmick to get it built at all. A lot of us have already said on here that it will likely never be built in anyone's lifetimes 

[ITB]

Change of pace. In this batch of photos, we take a look at a corollary project of I-69 in Bloomington, and then jump back to 2015 with a selection of past and present photos. It should be noted the Bloomington project is not associated with the I-69 corridor program.

In Bloomington, Phase III of the city's south side corridor project kicked off earlier this month. In Phase III, Fullerton Pike will be extended eastward from Rockport Road to connect with Gordon Pike. This is an entirely new stretch of road about a mile in length. When completed, the road will link the I-69/Fullerton Pike interchange to the southeast side of Bloomington, enhancing a much used east-west arterial. The project is expected to complete by August 2025.


April 24, 2024
Looking east toward Fullerton Pike from the eastern traffic circle of the I-69/Fullerton Pike interchange. Currently, Fullerton Pike ends at an intersection with Rockport Road. For some reason, the road was never pushed further east to intersect with Gordon Pike. Until now, that is.


April 24, 2024
Zoomed in shot. In the background are the signal-controlled intersections of Rhorer Road and S. Walnut Street and, further back, Rhorer Road and S. Walnut Street Pike. The distance covered in the photo is roughly two miles.

This road corridor is one of those that changes names, going from Fullerton Pike in the west to Gordon Pike, and then to Rhorer Road. Rhorer Road begins at the S. Walnut Street intersection and heads east. Phases I and II of the corridor project widened Rhorer Road and Gordon Pike between S. Walnut Street Pike and S. Rogers Road. At the Gordon Pike/Rogers Road intersection, a large roundabout was built (not visible), and at the S. Walnut Street Pike/Rhorer Road intersection, a light was installed, replacing stop signs (deep background). Planned for the future is a Phase IV, in which Rhorer Road will widened from S. Walnut Street Pike to Sare Road.


April 19, 2024
Closer look of the recently commenced construction; looking east. Milestone Contractors is the project's prime contractor; Crider and Crider, a sub. The $18.8 million construction contract was awarded in January of this year.


April 19, 2024
Another look at the work zone. There's a creek down there, the west branch of Clear Creek. Included in the project is a long 525' bridge. It appears the rows of stakes indicate where the bridge piers will be located. In the mid-background, the Clear Creek Trail runs across the frame.


April 24, 2024
Hampered by the position of the sun, here's the view looking west. In the deep background, the I-69/Fullerton Pike interchange's eastern roundabout can be partially discerned (better seen when the photo is expanded).


April 24, 2024
Another zoomed in shot, slightly cropped. Batchelor Middle School, one of the county's four middle schools, is located near the intersection of Gordon Pike and S. Rogers Road. Also, nearby, is a new county library branch. Neither are visible but are roughly located to the left of the stop sign in the background. Bear in mind again, this is two miles in distance.

Moving on, a blast from the past:


April 24, 2024
In southwest Monroe County, looking east toward I-69 from the Harmony Road bridge.


August 23, 2015
The view about eight and half years ago, looking a little rough.


September 18, 2015
Then this.


October 23, 2015
And by late October the paving crew was at work.


October 23, 2015
Different angle.


October 23, 2015
Slightly zoomed in look.


November 5, 2015
Paving the outside shoulder with asphalt and sealing joints. Just about done.


April 24, 2024
Hard to believe this section of I-69 will be nine years old come December.


April 24, 2024
And a cropped perspective.


October 29, 2015
The newly built Harmony Road bridge in 2015; looking northwest.


April 20, 2024
The bridge as it is today, looking north. The fencing went up about two years after the bridge was opened, probably, I suspect, due to an incident.


April 20, 2024
One last one, the view looking west from the bridge.

[ITB]

Here's a few recent screengrabs from INDOT traffic cameras:


INDOT Traffic Camera
Last night the deck pour for the I-465W to I-69S flyover took place. Two pumper trucks with extended arm capabilities were utilized.


INDOT Traffic Camera
Zoomed in shot looking east toward I-465 from the Mann Road camera. Yesterday, the paving operation at work on the far left lane and shoulder of the future eastbound lanes (foreground, right) had to stop short prior to finishing the strip because something wasn't quite right with an area of the roadbed. That area was again worked on and paving probably resumed today.


INDOT Traffic Camera
Looking west toward I-465 and the bridge over Bluff Road. In the deep background right, the I-465W to I-69S flyover can be discerned. This image, as well as the one above, depict the work underway to complete the eastbound roadway between this point and Mann Road, about three miles west. As has been noted previously, westbound traffic will be transitioned to the new pavement, allowing reconstruction and widening of the westbound lanes and bridges to proceed.


INDOT Traffic Camera
To the south, north of the Southport Road interchange, grading work is nearly complete on the small section where the temporary southbound exit ramp to Southport Road had been located. In all likelihood this will be paved up in May.

[ITB]

Yesterday I motored up to Bargersville in Johnson County. A new large residential development called Sawyer Walk is under construction and I wanted to check it out. For those not familiar with Bargersville, it was a quiet rural farming community with a small downtown business district located about six miles southeast of the I-69/SR 144 interchange just off CR 144. Due to annexations, the town now encompasses a good chuck of land in northeast Johnson County. In recent years, several large suburban housing developments have sprung up in the area. As a result, Bargersville's population has surged from 2,120 in 2000 to 9,560 in 2020.


Google Maps
Bargersville and its borders.

But first before examining the implications of the new development and its impact on CR 144 and the I-69/SR 144 interchange, here's a few pictures of I-69 from the SR 144 overpass. Photos were taken Sunday, April 28, 2024.


Looking slightly northwest toward I-69. In the deep background right, the Smith Valley Road overpass and interchange can be partially discerned.


Zoomed in view, looking north toward the Smith Valley Road overpass and interchange.


Turning around, looking south toward the mainline bridges over Bluff Creek.


Different perspective, again looking south.


Long range view looking north.


Another view toward the southbound lanes, looking slightly northwest. In this area and to the south, traffic typically runs around 75 mph. Large trucks, from what I've observed, tend to be a bit slower at around 65 mph.


Another look looking south.


Looking southeast from the overpass. What's that in the background? Looks like earthwork. Ah, yes, it is.

----------------------------------------

Bargersville is now the epicenter of significant residential growth. The town is ideally located just south and southwest of Greenwood and about 20 miles south of downtown Indianapolis. To the northwest, via a relatively modest drive, is Indianapolis International Airport and the commercial business districts of Plainfield. Further east down CR 144 lies Franklin, a mid-sized city with a small college, and the county seat of Johnson County.

Around 2010, with available land beginning to run short in Greenwood, residential development began to pick up in Bargersville. National home builders, such as Lennar and M/I Homes, began to acquire significant tracts for future development. After gaining approvals, and not without some voiced concerns, the first new homes went up quickly. Those new communities could be termed the area's first phase of development. And, now, with the Covid years over, it appears, a second phase is emerging.

As noted above, I went to Bargersville to take a look at the Sawyer Walk development. This large housing project is located on the south side of CR 144, directly south of Kephart Park. Encompassing a total of 417 new homes, construction is now ramping up. M/I Homes is the builder. The development's grand opening is scheduled to take place May 18th.


The Sawyer Walk development will include 273 single family homes and 144 duplexes, or in the parlance of the developer, "paired villas." In the background are two paired villas. Further back, the house seen between them is not part of the development. In time, another paired villa will be built in the gap, and others to the left and right. The development is located within the Center Grove School Community system, which, from many accounts, is highly thought of. These homes might sell quickly.


On site, a Komatsu PC750LC excavator. With an excavator this large, specialized equipment is needed to move it, no doubt costing a pretty penny.


Located just north of CR 144 and northeast of the Sawyer Walk development is Morningside, a community developed by Lennar. All of these homes have either two or three-car garages. Eyeballing Google Maps, the community appears to contain about 300 or 400 homes. A section, called Morningside Bellshire, has been set aside for active adults who are 55 plus.


Downtown Bargersville, about a quarter mile west of the CR 144/SR 135 intersection. Testament to the area's rural heritage are the grain silos, which, I imagine, are still in use. Umbarger Plaza, a planned public green space with a stage for community events, is to the right. Just a bit further right, out of view, is an active track for the Indiana Rail Road.

As significant as the residential developments are, an even more important development, by some measures, is now underway in Bargersville. Located on the southeast corner of the I-69/SR 144 interchange, a very large mixed-use development called White River Crossing has started construction. Comprising 140 acres, the development will most likely feature a major retail center anchored by a grocery store, stand alone restaurants, hundreds of apartments and condos, and maybe a hotel. No details about the project's components have yet to be released, so it's challenging to say how many residential units will be built. Offhand, it could be around 400 to 600, or maybe upwards of a 1000 or 1200. It all depends. If interest from retailers, like Home Deport and Target, is strong, more land will likely be devoted to retail rather than residential.


Looking south across CR 144 toward the construction entrance of the White River Crossing development.


The development site as seen from the eastern roundabout of I-69/SR 144 interchange; looking southeast.


Long range view looking east toward CR 144.


The CR 144/Bluff Creek Pkwy. intersection, just west of the I-69/SR 144 interchange; looking slightly southeast. If the current construction entrance becomes the main entrance to White River Crossing, a traffic signal most likely will be installed here.


Another look toward the White River Crossing site, brightened by a shaft of sunlight; looking southeast.


And one more, again looking southeast. The future is now.

Without a doubt, the new residential and commercial developments in Bargersville will add stress to CR 144 and the I-69/SR 144 interchange. This is to be expected. As people move to areas that were previously rural, the road system usually struggles to keep pace. It happens almost everywhere in the U.S. where suburban growth is advancing. In Johnson County, CR 144 between Bargersville and I-69 interchange is no longer just an arterial country road. It now serves as the principal route for hundreds of commuters who travel almost daily to jobs in Plainfield and Indianapolis, and elsewhere. The road presently brims with traffic during the morning and evening rush periods. Traffic counts are bound to increase with each passing year, adding pressure to upgrade the road with added turn lanes and wider shoulders, among other improvements.

As for the I-69/SR 144 interchange, its days as a non-signal controlled interchange may be limited. The White River Crossing development alone will likely result in thousands of vehicular trips daily. In time, the additional traffic generated by that development and others may make entering the interchange's traffic roundabouts difficult. If this transpires, the result will be backups on the interchange's I-69 exit ramps. Unfortunately, the interchange will only become less efficient as traffic counts mount. By 2032, I imagine, and maybe sooner, INDOT will probably be converting the current interchange to a DDI.

[silverback1065]

it's about time Center Grove become a city too.

[NWI_Irish96]

it's about time Center Grove become a city too.

I have in-laws living all over the south side, including some in the northern half of White River Township (which is known as Center Grove even though that is the name of the school district and not an official place name).

There doesn't seem to be any consensus of residents of the area being willing to subject themselves with the potential new zoning restrictions that might come with incorporation. Additionally, naming the new city Center Grove might upset the southern half of the school district, which is currently part of Bargersville.

[silverback1065]

it's about time Center Grove become a city too.

I have in-laws living all over the south side, including some in the northern half of White River Township (which is known as Center Grove even though that is the name of the school district and not an official place name).

There doesn't seem to be any consensus of residents of the area being willing to subject themselves with the potential new zoning restrictions that might come with incorporation. Additionally, naming the new city Center Grove might upset the southern half of the school district, which is currently part of Bargersville.

which is why it's still not a city. Greenwood tried but the residents refused. they didn't want higher taxes! 

I think a project Morgan and Johnson counties need to work on is a new White river bridge, there aren't any crossings from SR 144 to Southport road. Smith Valley Road connecting to Hadley Road seems to be the best place.

[Interstate 69 Fan]

it's about time Center Grove become a city too.

I have in-laws living all over the south side, including some in the northern half of White River Township (which is known as Center Grove even though that is the name of the school district and not an official place name).

There doesn't seem to be any consensus of residents of the area being willing to subject themselves with the potential new zoning restrictions that might come with incorporation. Additionally, naming the new city Center Grove might upset the southern half of the school district, which is currently part of Bargersville.

which is why it's still not a city. Greenwood tried but the residents refused. they didn't want higher taxes! 

I think a project Morgan and Johnson counties need to work on is a new White river bridge, there aren't any crossings from SR 144 to Southport road. Smith Valley Road connecting to Hadley Road seems to be the best place.

Could easily build a second bridge too connecting Ralston Road and Wicker Road. I would say both are needed at this rate, given both Southport and 144 are bottlenecked quite frequently.

[Life in Paradise]

I'm going to anticipate I-69 will continue to speed up the expansion of the southern Indianapolis suburbs.  It's really interesting to take the old IN-37 (which is accessed from the County Line Rd exit) and take into downtown Indy.  There are several areas before and after passing under I-465 that you truly still have the rural agricultural land feeling, and that is all in Marion County on Bluff Road.