I-65 Indiana

[tosa]

I drove to Indy via 52 yesterday. The SB entrance ramp to 65 is now way much longer. It has its own lane almost halfway to 32 before merging. Much safer than before.

[I-39]

Listing the current status of I-65 in Indiana. Mile markers listed correspond to exits. Actual project areas may vary by a mile or two:

Miles 0-16: 3+ lanes in each direction. There is currently some work going on that does not involve adding travel lanes.

Miles 16-29: 2 lanes in each direction, with plans to add a lane in each direction starting summer 2023. https://www.in.gov/indot/files/Legal-Notice-Des-1700135-I-65-ATL.pdf

Miles 29-50: 2 lanes in each direction, with no current plans for expansion.

Miles 50-64: 3 lanes in each direction.

Miles 64-68: In the process of adding a 3rd lane in each direction.

Miles 68-90: 2 lanes in each direction, with no current plans for expansion.

Miles 90-123: 3+ lanes in each direction. 65/70 north split project in progress.

Miles 123-129: 2 lanes in each direction, with no current plans for expansion.

Miles 129-140: 3 lanes in each direction. There is currently some work going that does not involve adding travel lanes.

Miles 140-146: In the process of adding a 3rd lane in each direction.

Miles 146-168: 2 lanes in each direction, with no current plans for expansion.

Miles 168-175: 3 lanes in each direction.

Miles 175-178: In the process of adding a 3rd lane in each direction.

Miles 178-240: 2 lanes in each direction, with no current plans for expansion.

Miles 240-262: 3 lanes in each direction. There is currently some work going that does not involve adding travel lanes.

Summary:
Currently 3+ lanes: 103 miles
In process of adding 3rd lane: 13 miles
Plans to add a 3rd lane: 13 miles
No current plans to add a 3rd lane: 133 miles

Analysis: When the current and planned projects are complete, I-65 in Indiana will be at 49% with 3+ lanes. I'd really love to see the next expansion occur between 201-215 or thereabouts. Breaks up the longest 2 lane stretch right in the middle.

I'd like to see Indiana finish 29-50 and 68-90. With Tennessee now beginning to expand I-65 between Nashville and Kentucky border, it's more critical the Indianapolis-Louisville section of I-65 is widened sooner rather than later.

[dvferyance]

Listing the current status of I-65 in Indiana. Mile markers listed correspond to exits. Actual project areas may vary by a mile or two:

Miles 0-16: 3+ lanes in each direction. There is currently some work going on that does not involve adding travel lanes.

Miles 16-29: 2 lanes in each direction, with plans to add a lane in each direction starting summer 2023. https://www.in.gov/indot/files/Legal-Notice-Des-1700135-I-65-ATL.pdf

Miles 29-50: 2 lanes in each direction, with no current plans for expansion.

Miles 50-64: 3 lanes in each direction.

Miles 64-68: In the process of adding a 3rd lane in each direction.

Miles 68-90: 2 lanes in each direction, with no current plans for expansion.

Miles 90-123: 3+ lanes in each direction. 65/70 north split project in progress.

Miles 123-129: 2 lanes in each direction, with no current plans for expansion.

Miles 129-140: 3 lanes in each direction. There is currently some work going that does not involve adding travel lanes.

Miles 140-146: In the process of adding a 3rd lane in each direction.

Miles 146-168: 2 lanes in each direction, with no current plans for expansion.

Miles 168-175: 3 lanes in each direction.

Miles 175-178: In the process of adding a 3rd lane in each direction.

Miles 178-240: 2 lanes in each direction, with no current plans for expansion.

Miles 240-262: 3 lanes in each direction. There is currently some work going that does not involve adding travel lanes.

Summary:
Currently 3+ lanes: 103 miles
In process of adding 3rd lane: 13 miles
Plans to add a 3rd lane: 13 miles
No current plans to add a 3rd lane: 133 miles

Analysis: When the current and planned projects are complete, I-65 in Indiana will be at 49% with 3+ lanes. I'd really love to see the next expansion occur between 201-215 or thereabouts. Breaks up the longest 2 lane stretch right in the middle.

I'd like to see Indiana finish 29-50 and 68-90. With Tennessee now beginning to expand I-65 between Nashville and Kentucky border, it's more critical the Indianapolis-Louisville section of I-65 is widened sooner rather than later.

I agree I was just there a couple weeks ago I was shocked at how much new development was sprawling there. The only part of I-65 that at least for now does not need expansion is MM 178-240.

[NWI_Irish96]

Listing the current status of I-65 in Indiana. Mile markers listed correspond to exits. Actual project areas may vary by a mile or two:

Miles 0-16: 3+ lanes in each direction. There is currently some work going on that does not involve adding travel lanes.

Miles 16-29: 2 lanes in each direction, with plans to add a lane in each direction starting summer 2023. https://www.in.gov/indot/files/Legal-Notice-Des-1700135-I-65-ATL.pdf

Miles 29-50: 2 lanes in each direction, with no current plans for expansion.

Miles 50-64: 3 lanes in each direction.

Miles 64-68: In the process of adding a 3rd lane in each direction.

Miles 68-90: 2 lanes in each direction, with no current plans for expansion.

Miles 90-123: 3+ lanes in each direction. 65/70 north split project in progress.

Miles 123-129: 2 lanes in each direction, with no current plans for expansion.

Miles 129-140: 3 lanes in each direction. There is currently some work going that does not involve adding travel lanes.

Miles 140-146: In the process of adding a 3rd lane in each direction.

Miles 146-168: 2 lanes in each direction, with no current plans for expansion.

Miles 168-175: 3 lanes in each direction.

Miles 175-178: In the process of adding a 3rd lane in each direction.

Miles 178-240: 2 lanes in each direction, with no current plans for expansion.

Miles 240-262: 3 lanes in each direction. There is currently some work going that does not involve adding travel lanes.

Summary:
Currently 3+ lanes: 103 miles
In process of adding 3rd lane: 13 miles
Plans to add a 3rd lane: 13 miles
No current plans to add a 3rd lane: 133 miles

Analysis: When the current and planned projects are complete, I-65 in Indiana will be at 49% with 3+ lanes. I'd really love to see the next expansion occur between 201-215 or thereabouts. Breaks up the longest 2 lane stretch right in the middle.

I'd like to see Indiana finish 29-50 and 68-90. With Tennessee now beginning to expand I-65 between Nashville and Kentucky border, it's more critical the Indianapolis-Louisville section of I-65 is widened sooner rather than later.

I agree I was just there a couple weeks ago I was shocked at how much new development was sprawling there. The only part of I-65 that at least for now does not need expansion is MM 178-240.

Development isn't the only thing that creates traffic. There is significantly more truck traffic on I-65 north of Indy compared to south.

[JoePCool14]

...

I'd like to see Indiana finish 29-50 and 68-90. With Tennessee now beginning to expand I-65 between Nashville and Kentucky border, it's more critical the Indianapolis-Louisville section of I-65 is widened sooner rather than later.

I agree I was just there a couple weeks ago I was shocked at how much new development was sprawling there. The only part of I-65 that at least for now does not need expansion is MM 178-240.

Development isn't the only thing that creates traffic. There is significantly more truck traffic on I-65 north of Indy compared to south.

Chicago tends to do that. Every Interstate in or out of the area is very busy with trucks. I-65, which of course feeds into I-80/94, being a prime example.

[ilpt4u]

Chicago tends to do that. Every Interstate in or out of the area is very busy with trucks. I-65, which of course feeds into I-80/94, being a prime example.

Chicago is still a major Inland port city, as it is where the Mississippi and Great Lakes navigable waterways meet

Chicago is also the #1 rail hub in the country

And due to the Great Lakes, all "northern"  cross-region/country traffic is forced onto I-90 Toll Road or I-80/94, and into the greater Chicagoland area in general

Multiple reasons for lots of trucks (and trains and boats) in&out of Chicago

[SEWIGuy]

Chicago tends to do that. Every Interstate in or out of the area is very busy with trucks. I-65, which of course feeds into I-80/94, being a prime example.

Chicago is still a major Inland port city, as it is where the Mississippi and Great Lakes navigable waterways meet

Chicago is also the #1 rail hub in the country

And due to the Great Lakes, all "northern"  cross-region/country traffic is forced onto I-90 Toll Road or I-80/94, and into the greater Chicagoland area in general

Multiple reasons for lots of trucks (and trains and boats) in&out of Chicago

Don't forget all the air cargo flying out of O'Hare.

[SkyPesos]

Development isn't the only thing that creates traffic. There is significantly more truck traffic on I-65 north of Indy compared to south.

Maybe I'm a bit biased from my view, as someone from Cincinnati, but I could definitely see Indy-Chicago being busier. Traffic from Cincy and Columbus on I-74 and I-70 to Chicago feeds onto I-65 north of Indy, also I-74 is one of a few NW-SE connectors between I-65 and I-75 for points south, and with US 35 via I-70 for traffic to the Carolinas. And in the Louisville side, I-71 takes away some I-65 truck traffic from south of Louisville that are heading to the northeast.

[JoePCool14]

Development isn't the only thing that creates traffic. There is significantly more truck traffic on I-65 north of Indy compared to south.

Maybe I'm a bit biased from my view, as someone from Cincinnati, but I could definitely see Indy-Chicago being busier. Traffic from Cincy and Columbus on I-74 and I-70 to Chicago feeds onto I-65 north of Indy, also I-74 is one of a few NW-SE connectors between I-65 and I-75 for points south, and with US 35 via I-70 for traffic to the Carolinas. And in the Louisville side, I-71 takes away some I-65 truck traffic from south of Louisville that are heading to the northeast.

The few times we've driven from Chicago to Cincinnati, getting to I-74 was the best part. I-74 was so lightly traveled compared to I-65 or the bustling I-465 (this was also during the ongoing construction in downtown Indy, so the beltway was even worse than usual).

[ITB]

Two days ago, BigRigSteve of BigRigTravels drove I-65 from Gary to Indianapolis, and then later, from Indianapolis back to Illinois. On the drive south, the video points when he passed through the construction zone near Lafayette in Tippecanoe County begin at 1:49:20, and later, the construction zone north of Lebanon in Boone County, at 2:21:18:

Both projects appear to be nearing completion. The cost of the project in Boone County is pegged at $83,733,000, and that in Tippecanoe County, $99,400,000. E&B Paving LCC is the general contractor for the Boone project, while in Tippecanoe, Walsh Construction is at the helm.

[Great Lakes Roads]

Two days ago, BigRigSteve of BigRigTravels drove I-65 from Gary to Indianapolis, and then later, from Indianapolis back to Illinois. On the drive south, the video points when he passed through the construction zone near Lafayette in Tippecanoe County begin at 1:49:20, and later, the construction zone north of Lebanon in Boone County, at 2:21:18:

Both projects appear to be nearing completion. The cost of the project in Boone County is pegged at $83,733,000, and that in Tippecanoe County, $99,400,000. E&B Paving LCC is the general contractor for the Boone project, while in Tippecanoe, Walsh Construction is at the helm.

The Boone County section will get done first (by the end of 2023)... the Tippecanoe County section still has work to do (bridge deck replacement), so that will get done sometime in summer 2024...

[The Ghostbuster]

Interstate 65's northern terminus at Interstate 90 and US 12/20 is rather unusual. Although 65 has a trumpet interchange connection with 90, it truly ends at a signaled at-grade intersection (along with driveway connections with Alliance Steel and Republic Steel). I imagine that if Interstate 90 was not a toll road, 65 probably would have terminated at a freeway-to-freeway interchange with 90.

[silverback1065]

Interstate 65's northern terminus at Interstate 90 and US 12/20 is rather unusual. Although 65 has a trumpet interchange connection with 90, it truly ends at a signaled at-grade intersection (along with driveway connections with Alliance Steel and Republic Steel). I imagine that if Interstate 90 was not a toll road, 65 probably would have terminated at a freeway-to-freeway interchange with 90.

I-65 used to end at 80/94 until recently they extended it to US 12/20 to end there. I don't remember if the 90 connection was added then or if that was originally there.

[NWI_Irish96]

Interstate 65's northern terminus at Interstate 90 and US 12/20 is rather unusual. Although 65 has a trumpet interchange connection with 90, it truly ends at a signaled at-grade intersection (along with driveway connections with Alliance Steel and Republic Steel). I imagine that if Interstate 90 was not a toll road, 65 probably would have terminated at a freeway-to-freeway interchange with 90.

I-65 used to end at 80/94 until recently they extended it to US 12/20 to end there. I don't remember if the 90 connection was added then or if that was originally there.

Not sure what your definition of recently is. 65 has gone to 12/20 as long as I can remember.

[silverback1065]

Interstate 65's northern terminus at Interstate 90 and US 12/20 is rather unusual. Although 65 has a trumpet interchange connection with 90, it truly ends at a signaled at-grade intersection (along with driveway connections with Alliance Steel and Republic Steel). I imagine that if Interstate 90 was not a toll road, 65 probably would have terminated at a freeway-to-freeway interchange with 90.

I-65 used to end at 80/94 until recently they extended it to US 12/20 to end there. I don't remember if the 90 connection was added then or if that was originally there.

Not sure what your definition of recently is. 65 has gone to 12/20 as long as I can remember.

well I guess not recently anymore  it happened in the early 90s before that it ended at this hard right angle with 90.

[ITB]

The project to revamp the I-65/US 52 interchange in Boone County is rapidly moving forward. According to the project's newsletter, the design phase is expected to complete by the fall of 2024, with the construction contract to be let about the same time.

Here's the schematic of selected preferred alternative:


Indiana Department of Transportation

For those interested in staying abreast of the project, check out the project's website.

[dvferyance]

Development isn't the only thing that creates traffic. There is significantly more truck traffic on I-65 north of Indy compared to south.

Maybe I'm a bit biased from my view, as someone from Cincinnati, but I could definitely see Indy-Chicago being busier. Traffic from Cincy and Columbus on I-74 and I-70 to Chicago feeds onto I-65 north of Indy, also I-74 is one of a few NW-SE connectors between I-65 and I-75 for points south, and with US 35 via I-70 for traffic to the Carolinas. And in the Louisville side, I-71 takes away some I-65 truck traffic from south of Louisville that are heading to the northeast.

Usually when I am in I-65 in Indiana the part further north tends to have less traffic compared to when you get closer to Indianapolis and then south towards Louisville. More trucks vs less trucks isn't the same as more traffic vs less traffic.

[ITB]

Somewhat old news, and I should have mentioned it earlier, but it's still worthwhile to share.

In early October, INDOT rejected a bid to construct added lanes to I-65 in Scott County. The contract (R-41529-A) was let under a Special Letting, September 27, 2023. Only one bid was received, from a joint venture of E & B Paving and Milestone Contractors. The bid of $333,450,000 was rejected because it was over the engineer's estimate. Apparently, the bid was more than 15% higher than the estimate. If four or more bids had been received, INDOT probably would have awarded it, to the low bidder, of course. But, surprisingly, there was only one.

According to INDOT's 18-Month Construction Letting List, the contract is now scheduled to be let again December 6, 2023. It's listed on Page 31 of the letting list (as of October 15, 2023).


INDOT, Official Bid Results

[silverback1065]

looks pretty clear indy to louisville will be 6 lanes first. i bet the 46 bridge will be the last piece to be widened. that bridge is very special and widening it is probably not possible.

[jnewkirk77]

Somewhat old news, and I should have mentioned it earlier, but it's still worthwhile to share.

In early October, INDOT rejected a bid to construct added lanes to I-65 in Scott County. The contract (R-41529-A) was let under a Special Letting, September 27, 2023. Only one bid was received, from a joint venture of E & B Paving and Milestone Contractors. The bid of $333,450,000 was rejected because it was over the engineer's estimate. Apparently, the bid was more than 15% higher than the estimate. If four or more bids had been received, INDOT probably would have awarded it, to the low bidder, of course. But, surprisingly, there was only one.

According to INDOT's 18-Month Construction Letting List, the contract is now scheduled to be let again December 6, 2023. It's listed on Page 31 of the letting list (as of October 15, 2023).


INDOT, Official Bid Results

That seems ridiculously high. The widening from Lebanon to SR 47 came in at $83.7 million. What would make this cost 4 times as much?

[ITB]

That seems ridiculously high. The widening from Lebanon to SR 47 came in at $83.7 million. What would make this cost 4 times as much?

According to the Legal Notice of Planned Improvement — linked to in an above post and linked here for convenience — the project encompasses a "full mainline roadway replacement" to address "underlying subgrade and drainage issues." There are also several mainline bridges that will be rehabilitated and widened, as well as two overpasses that will be rehabilitated. 14 culverts, either corrugated metal, reinforced concrete, or high-density polyethylene pipes, also need to be replaced. And, of course, in addition to all of the above and more, the roadways will be widened to three lanes in each direction.

In short, the project undertakes to build a completely new stretch of highway. The added travel lanes will be carved from the median, with two concrete barrier walls constructed. The inside shoulders are planned to be 14 feet in width, the outside, 12 feet. Without good mapping tools, it's difficult to estimate the total length of the project, but it appears to be around 10 miles.

So, yes, the project is expensive. INDOT was probably looking for a bid between $275–300 million, but received one, and only one, that came in significantly higher than expected at $335.45 million. The re-letting of the contract might induce more firms to submit bids, but, in the end, the awarded contract will still probably be around $300-325 million.

[jnewkirk77]

OK, that makes sense, especially since this stretch probably hasn't had a thorough overhaul since it opened in the early '60s.

[I-55]

looks pretty clear indy to louisville will be 6 lanes first. i bet the 46 bridge will be the last piece to be widened. that bridge is very special and widening it is probably not possible.

I just hope they find a way to keep the arch there. Doesn't need to be a structural part of the bridge, it's just an iconic landmark that I've associated with going to my grandparents' house since I was 5. One of the few special landmarks left on routes I still travel, would hate to see it go

[silverback1065]

looks pretty clear indy to louisville will be 6 lanes first. i bet the 46 bridge will be the last piece to be widened. that bridge is very special and widening it is probably not possible.

I just hope they find a way to keep the arch there. Doesn't need to be a structural part of the bridge, it's just an iconic landmark that I've associated with going to my grandparents' house since I was 5. One of the few special landmarks left on routes I still travel, would hate to see it go

I think they would want to keep it but it's probably going to be very expensive to do it, it probably needs to be rebuilt to be widened. 

[Moose]

looks pretty clear indy to louisville will be 6 lanes first. i bet the 46 bridge will be the last piece to be widened. that bridge is very special and widening it is probably not possible.

That is the one they built the interchange under the bridge. Same design as Beech Grove/I-465 but under the bridge.

Then of course Columbus/Cummins went and put their 2 cents in and had built some architectural marvel.

I love Columbus. But I swear everything in that town is completely over the top compared to what it needs to be.

I realize that is on purpose, Cummins deems it a requirement to attract talent.