Update on I-69 Extension in Indiana

[ITB]

Another set. Again, photos were taken Sunday, June 30, 2024.


From the I-465W to I-69S flyover, looking west toward I-465 and the future flyover ramp that will carry I-69N to I-465W. On the left is the eastbound exit ramp to Harding Street, while in the background (left center) is the future exit ramp to I-69S, currently closed off with barricades and orange barrels.


Turning around, the view looking east toward I-465 and the future westbound lanes. In the background (center right) is field office of the one of the project's two prime contractors, Walsh Construction. The other main contractor is Milestone Contractors, which has a large plant on S. Harding St., one of the 17 plants it has in Indiana.


Mid-range perspective depicting the sweeping curve of the I-465W to I-69S ramp; looking southeast.


Another look east toward I-465 and the eastbound exit ramp to Harding Street.


Again, the I-69N to I-465W flyover, showing also where the westbound Harding Street entrance ramp will merge with I-465.


Zoomed in look toward I-465 from the I-69S flyover ramp. The location of the red crane in the mid-background denotes the Haueisen Ditch work zone, where a large culvert will be installed. Officially, it's a bridge per INDOT, as it's over 20 feet in width. Further back, the black pile driving rigging is positioned at the Harding Street work zone, where a new, replacement westbound bridge is under construction. Even further back, at the crest in the road, work is underway to build a new, replacement westbound bridge over the Indiana Rail Road tracks.


Long range view looking east toward I-465 and the future two-lane ramp to I-69S.


Another look west.


Cropped zoomed in perspective looking east. Note the temporary entrance and exit ramps to Harding Street.


And another long range view looking east.

Still more to come.

[ITB]

Last batch of the June 30th photo shoot.


Another perspective looking east toward I-465 from the I-69S flyover.


Looking southeast again toward the tight turn of the I-465W to I-69S ramp.


The Epler Avenue overpass and a Dynamic Message Sign spanning the future southbound lanes of I-69; looking slightly southeast.


Long range shot looking east toward I-465 from the I-69S flyover. The sidewalls seemed to be four feet high, which is probably the spec.


Hairline crack in the concrete pavement of the I-465W to I-69S ramp. There were others, four or five, each spaced about eight or 10 apart. Not good. Could be from fill settlement; that would be my guess. They'll probably seal the cracks and hope any additional settlement is minimal. This is one reason why some contractors prefer to use asphalt on newly placed fill, as it's considered "flexible" with some give and take. Concrete, on the other hand, is rigid.


The cracks were found in the shaded area near where the green barrel is located.


Looking south toward I-69 southbound with the Epler Avenue overpass in the background, and a newly installed sign in the foreground. The sign is in reference to the collector/distributor lane, which will transition to the southbound exit ramp at the Southport Road interchange. That's roughly a mile and a half further on. Sign placement specs, whatever they are, more than likely stipulated exactly where, distance wise, this warning sign was to be placed.


One more looking east toward I-465. Although I managed to snap a few decent shots from the overpass, it wasn't easy. For one, it was quite windy on the overpass. Moreover, the angled slope of the pavement made it difficult to evenly set the tripod, and, to be truthful, I didn't have the patience to fiddle with it. So I made do using it to help stabilize the camera, while also snapping a few without it, and hoped for the best.


And another looking west. It's going to be a while before this pavement sees traffic, aside from construction vehicles. For one, the westbound White River bridge needs to be completed first. That's probably not going to happen until at least late October or November.

Overall, construction seems to be proceeding as planned. Night work is happening, not every night, but often. Six months to go.

[FixThe74Sign]

INDOT Traffic Camera
Further east, the view looking east near where the Louisville and Indiana RR track crosses over I-465. Note how the right shoulders narrow as they pass under the overpass. In time, all the pavement in this area will be rubblized and replaced with new concrete pavement.

I was catching up on this thread and saw the above photo and caption.

As far as I can tell, they are not going to be replacing all that concrete. It looks like INDOT is going to save money and just add onto the outside and leave the inside concrete rehabbed. They rehabbed the concrete when they did the alternating 465 closures last year. 

See this PDF.

Also, I find it very frustrating how many details we lack on this project still. I have looked through the Finish Line website, and I cannot find any lane maps on how exactly the terminus of this project will look like.

On the 465/65 side, will the 65N to 465 W ramp turn into the extra travel lane? I sure hope so. What is the lane configuration going to look like under the RR bridge? What is the lane configuration going to look like at 465/US 31? It looks like they are not planning on replacing the 465 bridge over SR 67. Are they going to have 4 travel lanes plus the SR67 on ramp join and have 5 lanes reaching 465/70? Why can't we find these plans?

[I-55]

I was catching up on this thread and saw the above photo and caption.

As far as I can tell, they are not going to be replacing all that concrete. It looks like INDOT is going to save money and just add onto the outside and leave the inside concrete rehabbed. They rehabbed the concrete when they did the alternating 465 closures last year. 

See this PDF.

Also, I find it very frustrating how many details we lack on this project still. I have looked through the Finish Line website, and I cannot find any lane maps on how exactly the terminus of this project will look like.

On the 465/65 side, will the 65N to 465 W ramp turn into the extra travel lane? I sure hope so. What is the lane configuration going to look like under the RR bridge? What is the lane configuration going to look like at 465/US 31? It looks like they are not planning on replacing the 465 bridge over SR 67. Are they going to have 4 travel lanes plus the SR67 on ramp join and have 5 lanes reaching 465/70? Why can't we find these plans?

I'm going off memory from senior design as this was our project. I no longer have access to the project files but here's what I can recall:

The 4th travel lane wasn't supposed to be open in most places immediately, it'll just be striped as three. INDOT may have changed their mind since January when I asked the PM about this, though I don't believe that was a final decision. I personally see no benefit in building a road you don't intend on using for several years. US 31 interchange isn't being touched now, though a future project (timeframe unknown, saw schematics in the 2045 design year traffic counts, could just be conceptual) will get rid of the left hand entrance ramps and add the 4th travel lane (same will happen at I-65). Railroad bridge will remain as is and the outside shoulder I believe will just be narrow. I do remember for certain that the on/off ramps at I-65 will become the 4th travel lanes, which I believe will be open from the time this project ends (as opposed to waiting for later).

Uncertainty now, but at some point it'll be clear

[ITB]

Google Street View has updated on I-465 in and around the I-69 interchange work zone. Before posting a few screen grabs, a couple of construction news tidbits: (1) the new, realigned Harding Street entrance ramp to westbound I-465 is now open, and (2) the beams were set earlier this week for the new westbound bridge over Harmon Ditch.

Images date from May 2024.


Google Maps/Google Street View
On the south side of Indianapolis, looking northwest from I-465 toward the future flyover that will carry I-69N to I-465W.


Google Maps/Google Street View
The White River moderately flooding at the construction site of the new I-465 westbound bridge; looking slightly northwest.


Google Maps/Google Street View
Perspective looking northeast. Like all other rivers and creeks, the White floods from time to time. Nothing to do except get the equipment out of the way and wait for the water to recede.


Google Maps/Google Street View
Another angle, looking west.


Google Maps/Google Street View
Located about a 1/2 mile west of the White River construction zone, here's that residential property which was under discussion earlier. The structure closest to the construction is a garage; the actual house is just behind.


Google Maps/Google Street View
And just to the west of the above, a few other homes near the construction zone. When westbound I-465 is widened, it will push about halfway into this flooded work area.


Google Maps/Google Street View
Harmon Ditch; looking north. As noted above, the beams for the new westbound bridge were put in place earlier this week. The work was undertaken just one day after the remnants of hurricane Beryl moved through. As a result, Harmon was likely bursting at its seams. Not an ideal situation for beam setting, but they were able to successfully and safely get it done.

[Interstate 69 Fan]

Drove down I-69 south today, to be honest they could just sign I-69 up to County Line Road now. It's virtually done south of there - no barrels, no lane closures, nothing. Despite the reduced speed limit on this section down to SR 144 as it is still technically an active work zone despite no construction-related stuff in sight, there were multiple vehicles going interstate-speeds, some in excess of 75mph.

Pretty much only ~4 miles to go, and of course everything on I-465. They've put up a massive APL sign on the westbound lanes just past Exit 8 for I-70 now - covered up too for some odd reason.

[Life in Paradise]

I thought that I had read that a contract was let out for mileage signs to be installed on I-69 south of Bloomington.  There are none except for a small "placeholder" sign northbound at Washington, and southbound after IN 37 exits south of Bloomington.  I'm not sure why the wait.  The mileage to Evansville is known (although near Indianapolis they use a number for EVV that is actually farther than the south point end of the current road near the Ohio River) and they already have the route to Indianapolis basically done with only the final bit of paving to be completed, but you can get there from staying on the road.  Don't say it's to save money with all of the signs that were up at one time for the "waters of US" and "so and so ditch" that we crossed.

[jnewkirk77]

I thought that I had read that a contract was let out for mileage signs to be installed on I-69 south of Bloomington.  There are none except for a small "placeholder" sign northbound at Washington, and southbound after IN 37 exits south of Bloomington.  I'm not sure why the wait.  The mileage to Evansville is known (although near Indianapolis they use a number for EVV that is actually farther than the south point end of the current road near the Ohio River) and they already have the route to Indianapolis basically done with only the final bit of paving to be completed, but you can get there from staying on the road.  Don't say it's to save money with all of the signs that were up at one time for the "waters of US" and "so and so ditch" that we crossed.

It's a slow-moving project. I was over that way just a few weeks ago and while some signs have been changed, it's not been many.

[sprjus4]

Despite the reduced speed limit on this section down to SR 144 as it is still technically an active work zone despite no construction-related stuff in sight, there were multiple vehicles going interstate-speeds, some in excess of 75mph.

Some states will use variable speed limits, to legally permit 70 mph (or 65 mph) travel speeds when no active work is occurring, and can lower it to 55 mph when work is occurring and there is an need to slow down.

Posting an area as an "active work zone" and a "45" or "55" mph speed limit (when there isn't a cone, lane shift, barrier, etc. in sight) will lead to virtually zero compliance. Can't say I blame those going "interstate speeds". The same road will be posted at 70 mph (or 65 mph) once the project is complete and will be no different.

It is not an active work zone if there are no workers present, no equipment, and no lane shifts, cones, barriers, etc.

[davewiecking]

Pretty much only ~4 miles to go, and of course everything on I-465. They've put up a massive APL sign on the westbound lanes just past Exit 8 for I-70 now - covered up too for some odd reason.

Perhaps because the A's wouldn't line up with the proper L's yet?

[Interstate 69 Fan]

1992 - The year I-69's expansion was put into law across the Hoosier State, and it will all come to a close next week.

Starting next week sometime, I-69 will officially be extended up to I-465, and the interchange with I-465 will open to traffic. Remains to be seen if they will decommission SR 37 at the same time, but I imagine for a little while longer SR 37 will technically still exist until AASHTO/FHWA approves the decommissioning.

https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/new-i-69-i-465-interchange-will-open-in-august-after-years-of-construction/

[KelleyCook]

I imagine for a little while longer SR 37 will technically still exist until AASHTO/FHWA approves the decommissioning.

AASHTO needs to give permission to decommission a state road?

[sprjus4]

but I imagine for a little while longer SR 37 will technically still exist until AASHTO/FHWA approves the decommissioning.

SR-37 is a state highway, not a US highway. AASHTO & FHWA would not be responsible for making that decision, the state of Indiana would be.

[NWI_Irish96]

but I imagine for a little while longer SR 37 will technically still exist until AASHTO/FHWA approves the decommissioning.

SR-37 is a state highway, not a US highway. AASHTO & FHWA would not be responsible for making that decision, the state of Indiana would be.

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that 37 will get axed between Bloomington and Fishers.

[tdindy88]

1992 - The year I-69's expansion was put into law across the Hoosier State, and it will all come to a close next week.

Starting next week sometime, I-69 will officially be extended up to I-465, and the interchange with I-465 will open to traffic. Remains to be seen if they will decommission SR 37 at the same time, but I imagine for a little while longer SR 37 will technically still exist until AASHTO/FHWA approves the decommissioning.

https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/new-i-69-i-465-interchange-will-open-in-august-after-years-of-construction/

I wouldn't be too hasty in saying that I-69 is finished up to I-465 on August 1. There are no details in these articles about how any of this is supposed to happen nor are there any actual dates. There's nothing mentioned about it on the Finish Line website. It could still be around Labor Day weekend when this "opens" for all we know. And I imagine there will still be plenty of lane restrictions along the way.

[SW Indiana]

I'll gladly take lane restrictions if that means not having to deal with the constant gridlock at the current interchange.

[silverback1065]

local news just announced it will open in August, but gave no date. 37 will die when this happens, it is already not a part of the sign plans for 69 on the NE side or the sign plans for it at this interchange on the south side, you can tell from what is already uncovered. I wonder if they will take them down in Monroe County that is the only area it's cosigned besides Hamilton county.

[jnewkirk77]

local news just announced it will open in August, but gave no date. 37 will die when this happens, it is already not a part of the sign plans for 69 on the NE side or the sign plans for it at this interchange on the south side, you can tell from what is already uncovered. I wonder if they will take them down in Monroe County that is the only area it's cosigned besides Hamilton county.

Taking down the remaining 37 shields is part of the ongoing sign replacement project, if memory serves.

[I-55]

Link to future I-69 shields posted on mainline I-465 through INDOT Trafficwise (pointed at shields as of 9:15 am)

[sprjus4]

Link to future I-69 shields posted on mainline I-465 through INDOT Trafficwise (pointed at shields as of 9:15 am)

Screenshot?

[I-55]

Sorry for not posting  direct link earlier, have been out in the field today (unfortunately not on this project site).

[ITB]

INDOT Traffic Camera
Zoomed in perspective looking east from near the Harding Street interchange toward I-465 and the mainline bridges over Bluff Road.

[The Ghostbuster]

Are there any other Future Interstate 69 signs along the Interstate 465 beltway?

[silverback1065]

Are there any other Future Interstate 69 signs along the Interstate 465 beltway?

Just there and just north of Shadeland by Fall Creek

[Rick Powell]

The yellow striping and omitted barrier north of Southport Road in the new southbound lanes seems to indicate an upcoming switchover from the old IN 37 interchange to the new I-69 interchange. The switchover has been in the news, but this is a hint of how it's gonna happen. (Looking south toward the Southport interchange).

https://511in.org/@-86.19545,39.67418,14?show=incidents,normalCameras,stationsAlert,weatherWarningsAreaEvents,plowCameras,flooding#camera/3100/2131583670