Indiana Notes

[NWI_Irish96]

Technically, everything along US-30 west of US-421 (east of Valparaiso) is within 10 miles of the Toll Road.

If they're trying to stay within the terms of a non-compete clause, build a north-south toll road "extension" parallel to US-421 connecting the Toll Road to US-30, then upgrade US-30 east of there. Brand the new toll road as a US-421 bypass, arguing it's not intended for east-west traffic, despite it deliberately funneling traffic from the main Toll Road to a free US-30.

May be better to just build a new southern alignment for US 30 from about US 421 over to IN 49 that meets the 10 mile separation requirement.  IN 49 is three overpasses away from being a full freeway from US 30 to the Toll Road (not counting the stoplight at the Toll Road interchange).  I don't think that part of Indiana has grown enough yet to justify another freeway along US 421.

I agree - I did not realize that IN-49 is virtually a freeway between the Toll Road and US-30.

Yeah, if you just convert IN 49/Burlington Beach Rd, US 30/US 421 and US 30/IN 39 to interchanges, and maybe a couple other higher volume intersections into  J-turns, you have a pretty smooth route from the Toll Road to Plymouth.

[Interstate 69 Fan]

Insane situation across NE Marion County, right in the clearpath 465 construction area.

[cjw2001]

Here is some live recorded video from one of the local news channels from about 10 minutes earlier than your still picture capture...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy02JXF-Gos

[ilpt4u]

I love the cars in the northbound lanes darting for the "express"/crossover lane...worried about all that traffic in the regular lanes, since the freeway has been closed 

[74/171FAN]

Some Elkhart/South Bend, IN, photos from 7/20/2024.  (mostly along US 20 and US 31, with some IN 933, and even some US 31 BUS) (https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBDdha)

[nwi_navigator_1181]

In Northwest Indiana...

US 6 underwent resurfacing from Indiana 149 to Indiana 49. Centerline and shoulder rumble strips were installed as part of the project, and raised pavement markers should be put in shortly.

Through the fall, lane restrictions are in place along I-94 between Indiana 249 and US 421, as bridge deck overlays are currently in progress. All work is set to be completed by the fall, and will help with preserving bridge traction during the winter.

The intersection of Indiana 51, Indiana 130, and Cleveland Street is completely closed to traffic as the intersection is converted from a light-controlled intersection into a roundabout. Work is set to be completed in October. Indiana 51 truck traffic is detoured via I-65 to US 30. Indiana 51/130 traffic coming from Valparaiso is being detoured via Lincolnway (formerly Indiana 130 from US 30 to Indiana 149), Indiana 149, and US 6. This will likely affect County Line Orchard Traffic, as those coming from the north will have to enter via US 6 to County Line Road southbound, while those coming from the south will have to use Indiana 130 or 10th Street in Hobart to County Line Road northbound.

On I-65, resurfacing work will be underway next week, stretching from US 231 in Crown Point to Indiana 14 near Fair Oaks. Lane closures will be overnight only (8PM - 7AM) and will be one direction at a time, a few miles at a time. Because of the length of the work zone (27 miles!) and the approach to how this work will be performed, the project is scheduled to be completed in June 2025.

[Great Lakes Roads]

Project documents: https://indianaflexroad.com/project-documents/

Get ready for MORE construction on the Borman (80/94) within the next SEVERAL years (2025-2028)!

Other than the concrete pavement restoration project between Cline Ave and the IL state line (included in this project), INDOT will also be doing some inside median shoulder and reconstruction in a few spots.

The I-80/94 "Flex Road" will be adding more technology to the corridor like:
-Ramp meters
-Variable speed limits
-Dynamic lane controls
-Dynamic shoulder lanes
-Event management strategies
-Improved signage and queue warnings

The digital gantries will be placed about every half-mile along the corridor.

Also, the exit ramp to I-65 SB from I-80/94 EB will be widened to three lanes with the auxiliary lane between Grant Street and Broadway being used as a 5th lane. (Basically, a three/four lane split with the DSL adding capacity through the I-65 interchange)

Broadway Interchange: Two Alternatives Under Consideration- the NB Broadway to EB I-80/94 on-ramp will be removed to improve merging distance.
1. Modified Signalized Intersection
• Stoplight controls traffic entering and exiting I-80/I-94 and through traffic along Broadway
• Drivers enter and exit I-80/I-94 East at the Broadway interchange via turn lanes controlled by signal

2. Multi-Lane Roundabouts
• Multi-lane roundabout controls traffic entering and exiting I-80/I-94 and through traffic along Broadway
• Drivers enter and exit I-80/I-94 East at the Broadway interchange via multilane roundabout

Maintenance of Traffic (MOT): What to Expect
Construction on the FlexRoad improvements is expected to begin in early 2026 and last three years. Work on the fiber optic cable replacement will begin in 2025.
• Four lanes of I-80/I-94 open in both directions most of the time
• Minimum three lanes of I-80/I-94 open in both directions during overnight work
• 20-minute overnight closures of I-80/94 for overhead sign installation
• I-80/I-94 East to I-65 South ramp to maintain two lanes at all times
• I-80/I-94 Ramp Closures:
  • Closures will be needed for entrance and exit ramps within the corridor
  • Short-term ramp closures are expected to last up to two weeks
  • I-80/I-94 East to Broadway exit ramp expected to close for 60 days
  • Local roads adjacent to I-80/I-94 that require work will remain open with short-term lane closures
• Shoulder closures and short-term lane closures are anticipated during fiber optic cable replacement in 2025 and 2026.

[Great Lakes Roads]

Video on the FlexRoad project on I-80/94 (Borman), Indiana's BUSIEST roadway.

[ITB]

Yesterday in Posey County, ground was officially broken for the first phase of the Western Bypass project. When fully complete, the bypass is expected to significantly slash truck traffic in downtown Mount Vernon, as well as stimulate economic development, both long-sought objectives of the area.

[silverback1065]

Yesterday in Posey County, ground was officially broken for the first phase of the Western Bypass project. When fully complete, the bypass is expected to significantly slash truck traffic in downtown Mount Vernon, as well as stimulate economic development, both long-sought objectives of the area.

I'm surprised INDOT isn't behind this. They could build it to connect to 62 and route 62 onto it.

[NWI_Irish96]

Yesterday in Posey County, ground was officially broken for the first phase of the Western Bypass project. When fully complete, the bypass is expected to significantly slash truck traffic in downtown Mount Vernon, as well as stimulate economic development, both long-sought objectives of the area.

I'm surprised INDOT isn't behind this. They could build it to connect to 62 and route 62 onto it.

69 would make more sense than 62, plus I doubt Mount Vernon is willing to take their portion of 62 over from INDOT.

[ITB]

Yesterday in Posey County, ground was officially broken for the first phase of the Western Bypass project. When fully complete, the bypass is expected to significantly slash truck traffic in downtown Mount Vernon, as well as stimulate economic development, both long-sought objectives of the area.

I'm surprised INDOT isn't behind this. They could build it to connect to 62 and route 62 onto it.

The plan is to do just that. This schematic map shows the full extent of the bypass.

[ITB]

In more news from the southwest corner of the state, Indiana's second displaced left turn intersection has been opened at SR 66 and Epworth Road in Warrick County.

Here's a couple of INDOT videos explaining the Displaced Left Turn Intersection and how to navigate one:

[silverback1065]

Does anyone know what they are doing to the cloverleaf at SR 66/I-69?

[Great Lakes Roads]

Does anyone know what they are doing to the cloverleaf at SR 66/I-69?

Modifying some of the ramps in proximity to the Cross Pointe Boulevard and Epworth Road intersections, which involves adding two new traffic signals: one for I-69 SB traffic heading onto SR-66 WB (The Lloyd) and one for I-69 NB traffic heading onto SR-66 EB (The Lloyd).

[Life in Paradise]

Does anyone know what they are doing to the cloverleaf at SR 66/I-69?

Modifying some of the ramps in proximity to the Cross Pointe Boulevard and Epworth Road intersections, which involves adding two new traffic signals: one for I-69 SB traffic heading onto SR-66 WB (The Lloyd) and one for I-69 NB traffic heading onto SR-66 EB (The Lloyd).

One of the biggest reasons for the modifications is to give more distance from the on/off ramps to the adjacent traffic lighted intersections.  The newly installed lights (only affecting one direction of traffic) is so that those entering from the interstate have a way to cross the three lanes of traffic so that they can complete a left turn at the light.  The displaced turns are not my favorite development since I wanted a full freeway, but I'm watching this closely, since there are several more displaced turns coming our way in Evansville.

[silverback1065]

Does anyone know what they are doing to the cloverleaf at SR 66/I-69?

Modifying some of the ramps in proximity to the Cross Pointe Boulevard and Epworth Road intersections, which involves adding two new traffic signals: one for I-69 SB traffic heading onto SR-66 WB (The Lloyd) and one for I-69 NB traffic heading onto SR-66 EB (The Lloyd).

One of the biggest reasons for the modifications is to give more distance from the on/off ramps to the adjacent traffic lighted intersections.  The newly installed lights (only affecting one direction of traffic) is so that those entering from the interstate have a way to cross the three lanes of traffic so that they can complete a left turn at the light.  The displaced turns are not my favorite development since I wanted a full freeway, but I'm watching this closely, since there are several more displaced turns coming our way in Evansville.

this was clearly done to save money. i am interested if this solves the problem. the one at 31/135 in indy seems to work very well.

[pianocello]

I'm optimistic that the displaced left turns will improve the situations, if nothing else so that the cross streets can have more green time. In particular, Burkhardt Rd can get backed up pretty good at the Walmart/Target area.

In other Lloyd Expressway news, the light at Vann Ave has been permanently taken down, bringing the total down to 5 signalized intersections between downtown and I-69. It's a bit of a bummer for those turning left from WB Lloyd to SB Vann, but I think the street grid on the SE side should be able to handle the additional traffic.

[FixThe74Sign]

A little off topic, but I am hoping someone can help.

I used to have a saved PDF from INDOT featuring a project plan. It was pretty much the North Split, but it extended as far west as 65 and 21st St, as far east as 70 and Keyston/Rural, and as far south as the south split.

I think it was dated sometime in the 2010s, around 2016 maybe? Before the North Split project as we knew it a few years ago really become a thing.

The project map had detailed lane markings and included the necessary eminent domain of buildings.

I believe I found this somewhere buried in INDOT's website, but all searching for it just leads to tons of junk about the current North Split project.

If anyone knows what I am talking about and could find it, that would be great.

[jnewkirk77]

I'm optimistic that the displaced left turns will improve the situations, if nothing else so that the cross streets can have more green time. In particular, Burkhardt Rd can get backed up pretty good at the Walmart/Target area.

In other Lloyd Expressway news, the light at Vann Ave has been permanently taken down, bringing the total down to 5 signalized intersections between downtown and I-69. It's a bit of a bummer for those turning left from WB Lloyd to SB Vann, but I think the street grid on the SE side should be able to handle the additional traffic.

The relatively new light at 66 & Grimm Road just east of Epworth has been taken out, as well.

I made my first drive through the new Epworth intersection (westbound to southbound) and found it really easy to figure out. The signage is good. The wait time to cross into the displaced turn lanes could be a little shorter, but aside from that, I like it.

One suggestion I am going to make, if they can, is to put a Hospital "H" sign over the right-hand left turn lane. Might be helpful in an emergency, at least until people figure out that's the lane they should use to get into Deaconess Gateway.

[ITB]

Two recently released studies have Indiana roads rated 2nd and 3rd best among all states. Read more about it here and here.

[jnewkirk77]

As I mentioned previously, I tried out the new Displaced Left Turn at the Lloyd (SR 66) and Epworth on Friday evening. I pulled the dashcam video off and uploaded it this evening. Check it out if you like.

[evvroads]

Keeping with the Evansville theme, I just saw in the 2025 City Budget proposal that the city plans on constructing a roundabout at Crosspointe Blvd and Indiana St (just north of the Lloyd). It looks like ~$2.5M was allocated last year and ~$3.7M is proposed to be allocated this year for a total of $6.3M for the project with construction apparently beginning next year. I'm very excited for this development. Anyone who has driven that intersection knows how bad it can get around dinner time. Traffic on Indiana can get backed up as far as the former O'Charley's entrance. Frankly, left turns from eastbound Indiana to northbound Crosspointe can be so sketchy and dangerous at that time I'm not sure they should be allowed at all given the heavy traffic and poor visibility across the intersection (due to traffic and the median). A roundabout should greatly improve that. Hopefully the displaced left turn at the Lloyd/Crosspointe improves the throughput for southbound Crosspointe as well, because traffic there will frequently back up 700+ feet to Golden Corral.

[Rothman]

Over $6m for a single roundabout sounds expensive at first blush.  Wonder if there are other expected aspects of the project.

[CtrlAltDel]

Video on the FlexRoad project on I-80/94 (Borman), Indiana's BUSIEST roadway.

It seems like they'll be installing quite a few gantries here, way more than one ever half mile.