Indiana Notes

[ITB]

The interchange with SR 39 is a diverging diamond with four total lanes with the bridges built in ... 2022. How will five lanes fit in this scenario?

They'll probably widen one of the overpasses, the east being more likely, and expand the corresponding approaches — though we won't know for sure until a schematic is released.

And is SR 267... Quaker Blvd? 

Yes, it is.

[Interstate 69 Fan]

INDOT has issued a Draft RFP for an I-70 mainline project between SR 39 and SR 267. More specifically, the project will involve the widening of I-70 to three lanes in each direction from 0.76 mile west of SR 39 to SR 267, the widening of the SR 39 bridge to five lanes, as well as other bridge rehabilitation, culvert and shoulder work. The added lanes will be carved from the median.

The interchange with SR 39 is a diverging diamond with four total lanes with the bridges built in ... 2022. How will five lanes fit in this scenario?

And is SR 267... Quaker Blvd? 

Yup. SR 267 has been Quaker Blvd for a few years now, and is now under responsibility from Plainfield. I drive it right over I-70 daily to/from work, and that interchange desperately needs reconfiguring.

[Great Lakes Roads]

https://www.in.gov/indot/files/s.r.-2-and-quince-rd-intersection-improvement-project-des-2401535/

S.R. 2 and Quince Rd Intersection Improvement Project (Des 2401535)

INDOT is pursuing an intersection improvement project at State Road 2 and Quince Rd in St. Joseph County. The need for the project stems from the current high severity and frequency of crashes at this signalized intersection. This project seeks to improve the safety of the intersection and reduce the severity and frequency of crashes.

INDOT has implemented improvements at this intersection over the years to address safety concerns.



An intersection improvement project will provide greater long-term safety benefits at this intersection. A public meeting will be held soon to discuss where INDOT is in the project development process and to gather feedback on the two primary alternatives currently under consideration: a roundabout or a Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI).

[JREwing78]

https://www.in.gov/indot/files/s.r.-2-and-quince-rd-intersection-improvement-project-des-2401535/

S.R. 2 and Quince Rd Intersection Improvement Project (Des 2401535)

With the massive buildout of the area arond New Carlisle towards the International (Bendix) Proving Grounds, SR 2 is doubtless seeing more traffic now, particularly truck traffic.

Two schools of thought on how to address this:
- SR 2 needs to be converted to a fully limited-access freeway tying into the US-20/31 bypass (making a super-street arrangement with periodic J-turns practical until the next step to freeway is taken
- Traffic calming is needed for the Westfield neighborhood to improve safety (in other words, build a roundabout)

Drawing lines on a map, our choices are to basically punch through Westfield with a new 2 1/2 mile freeway on alignment or immediately parallel to the existing SR 2, or to build a 4-8 mile bypass and convert the existing SR 2 to a more urban boulevard arrangement. It would eat mostly residences until Ritchland Ave, at which point it's commercial or light industrial. 

And then you have the jokers in the deck - the St. Joseph Cemetery and the Sacred Heart Cemetery, right up against SR 2 with no room at all to widen. InDOT would either have to move hundreds of gravesites or build a 1/2 mile double-decker bridge to move traffic past this point.

I also found a path about 1000 ft north of the current SR 2 alignment one could pull a freeway through; it would take homes but no industrial or cemetery property. It would require modifying the current SR-2 interchange, but would allow the current SR 2 alignment to remain intact. But InDOT would need to buy up the property along that path before further development takes it, and it would render the Super-Street modifications moot.

Unless the court of public opinion suddenly decides freeways > cemeteries, the smarter move would be for InDOT to build a roundabout at Quince Rd, v.s. trying to punch a freeway through Westfield.

Nothing here to suggest InDOT couldn't build a limited-access 4-lane outerbelt tying the Toll Rd to the US-20/31 bypass, and ultimately extended north to US-12 in Michigan. 

[NWI_Irish96]

https://www.in.gov/indot/files/s.r.-2-and-quince-rd-intersection-improvement-project-des-2401535/

S.R. 2 and Quince Rd Intersection Improvement Project (Des 2401535)

With the massive buildout of the area arond New Carlisle towards the International (Bendix) Proving Grounds, SR 2 is doubtless seeing more traffic now, particularly truck traffic.

Two schools of thought on how to address this:
- SR 2 needs to be converted to a fully limited-access freeway tying into the US-20/31 bypass (making a super-street arrangement with periodic J-turns practical until the next step to freeway is taken
- Traffic calming is needed for the Westfield neighborhood to improve safety (in other words, build a roundabout)

INDOT is barred from building/converting E/W roads to freeway that close to the toll road.

[JREwing78]

https://www.in.gov/indot/files/s.r.-2-and-quince-rd-intersection-improvement-project-des-2401535/

S.R. 2 and Quince Rd Intersection Improvement Project (Des 2401535)

With the massive buildout of the area arond New Carlisle towards the International (Bendix) Proving Grounds, SR 2 is doubtless seeing more traffic now, particularly truck traffic.

Two schools of thought on how to address this:
- SR 2 needs to be converted to a fully limited-access freeway tying into the US-20/31 bypass (making a super-street arrangement with periodic J-turns practical until the next step to freeway is taken
- Traffic calming is needed for the Westfield neighborhood to improve safety (in other words, build a roundabout)

INDOT is barred from building/converting E/W roads to freeway that close to the toll road.

I'm sure that the current ITR lessees can be brought to the table if they don't have to cough up the cost of a whole new interchange or access road. This isn't a situation where the Toll Road is going to lose traffic or revenue.

[NWI_Irish96]

https://www.in.gov/indot/files/s.r.-2-and-quince-rd-intersection-improvement-project-des-2401535/

S.R. 2 and Quince Rd Intersection Improvement Project (Des 2401535)

With the massive buildout of the area arond New Carlisle towards the International (Bendix) Proving Grounds, SR 2 is doubtless seeing more traffic now, particularly truck traffic.

Two schools of thought on how to address this:
- SR 2 needs to be converted to a fully limited-access freeway tying into the US-20/31 bypass (making a super-street arrangement with periodic J-turns practical until the next step to freeway is taken
- Traffic calming is needed for the Westfield neighborhood to improve safety (in other words, build a roundabout)

INDOT is barred from building/converting E/W roads to freeway that close to the toll road.

I'm sure that the current ITR lessees can be brought to the table if they don't have to cough up the cost of a whole new interchange or access road. This isn't a situation where the Toll Road is going to lose traffic or revenue.

Hindsight is 20/20, but St Joe County should have made Amazon pay to upgrade/build a 4 lane road from IN 2 up to the Toll Road.

[Great Lakes Roads]

INDOT has added green .2-mile enhanced mile-markers on the freeway segment of US 20 in St. Joesph County (La Porte district). It goes all the way up to MM 87, which is west of the Elkhart County line.

[Plutonic Panda]

US-30 construction in Indiana:

https://www.wane.com/top-stories/us-30-construction-continues-as-indot-prepares-for-future-growth/

[ITB]

The Indiana Capital Chronicle has published an article that details the dramatically rising costs of interstate construction in Indiana. The piece features a chart of the average construction costs per lane mile, which, for convenience, I will reproduce here:

2015     $8.4 million
2018     $10.1 million
2021     $19.0 million
2022     $20.0 million
2024     $44.9 million
2026     $46.0 million

It seems the costs referenced refer to an added interstate lane mile. Note that costs more than doubled between 2022 and 2024 costs. Wow. To be sure, material costs have soared but that's only part of the picture. One has to wonder what truly happened to precipitate such a massive increase.

Of interest the photo attached to the piece features an aerial, northward-looking perspective of the I-69/Southport Road interchange then under construction in 2024.

[seicer]

Variety of reasons. Fuel costs (diesel) have dramatically increased, but that full effect won't be realized until next year. Steel prices have increased sharply. Given the "buy American" provisions in a lot of contracts, entities are having to pay a lot more for steel, regardless if was domestic (higher selling prices) or imported (higher tariffs). Labor costs. Etc. Etc.

[ITB]

Variety of reasons. Fuel costs (diesel) have dramatically increased, but that full effect won't be realized until next year. Steel prices have increased sharply. Given the "buy American" provisions in a lot of contracts, entities are having to pay a lot more for steel, regardless if was domestic (higher selling prices) or imported (higher tariffs). Labor costs. Etc. Etc.

Material and labor cost increases only explain in part the dramatic rise in road and bridge construction costs. Although it's challenging to point the finger at one aspect of the building process, soft costs have risen significantly, for instance, engineering and design services, environmental mediation measures, MOT costs, and so on. Put together budgets are being stretched to the breaking point.

The roads and bridges of today are engineered at higher standards than in the past. These higher standards, of course, directly lead to higher construction costs.

Take note, too, how agencies like INDOT are shifting away from the low-bid procurement process for larger projects. Instead of always going with the cheapest price, agencies are now looking for more control over quality and performance, thus, the emergence of progressive design-build procurement.

Nevertheless, despite efforts to rein in costs, the stunning increases in construction costs in recent years is very concerning. And, frankly, it's unsustainable.

[Great Lakes Roads]

52 at 65 diverging diamond interchange now open near Lebanon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2026

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces that the new diverging diamond interchange (DDI) at U.S. 52 and I‑65 near Lebanon is now officially open to traffic. Construction began in spring 2025, and thanks to an expedited delivery schedule, the project has been completed several months ahead of its original timeline.

The new interchange is designed to accommodate long‑term mobility needs by improving traffic flow, enhancing safety, and supporting anticipated economic and residential growth in the Boone County corridor. While the interchange is now fully open, drivers should anticipate short‑term lane closures in the area as crews finalize remaining construction tasks.

To learn more about the project, including photos, detailed design information, and a full construction timeline, visit 52at65.com.

[Life in Paradise]

Variety of reasons. Fuel costs (diesel) have dramatically increased, but that full effect won't be realized until next year. Steel prices have increased sharply. Given the "buy American" provisions in a lot of contracts, entities are having to pay a lot more for steel, regardless if was domestic (higher selling prices) or imported (higher tariffs). Labor costs. Etc. Etc.

One other factor that I have heard, and makes sense was that during Covid, INDOT (and other transportation agencies) delayed programs and the actively have been putting them back in to the point that I think that in some cases they are basically causing the costs to go up due to the available skilled manpower and that its putting everything into a squeeze.

[Rothman]

Variety of reasons. Fuel costs (diesel) have dramatically increased, but that full effect won't be realized until next year. Steel prices have increased sharply. Given the "buy American" provisions in a lot of contracts, entities are having to pay a lot more for steel, regardless if was domestic (higher selling prices) or imported (higher tariffs). Labor costs. Etc. Etc.

Material and labor cost increases only explain in part the dramatic rise in road and bridge construction costs. Although it's challenging to point the finger at one aspect of the building process, soft costs have risen significantly, for instance, engineering and design services, environmental mediation measures, MOT costs, and so on. Put together budgets are being stretched to the breaking point.

The roads and bridges of today are engineered at higher standards than in the past. These higher standards, of course, directly lead to higher construction costs.

Take note, too, how agencies like INDOT are shifting away from the low-bid procurement process for larger projects. Instead of always going with the cheapest price, agencies are now looking for more control over quality and performance, thus, the emergence of progressive design-build procurement.

Nevertheless, despite efforts to rein in costs, the stunning increases in construction costs in recent years is very concerning. And, frankly, it's unsustainable.

Keep in mind engineering and construction costs can be viewed separately and for federal-aid projects, are considered separate FAPs.  The major overall concern/phenomenon has been with construction phase cost increases rather than total project cost. 

Although specifications are indeed becoming stricter, I can only think of a couple of specific areas where such are a major factor in increased construction phase costs: Pavement markings and large culverts in particular, for far too many reasons to be listed here.

I see general market forces being the largest factor in the increases:  Sure, material and labor costs, but the amount of dollars being pumped into capital projects has increased considerably over recent years.  Consultants, contractors and governments (fed, state and local) are not keeping up with the number of projects being funded.  The investment itself puts market pressures on material prices -- aside from diesel and gas prices affecting asphalt and transportation/mobilization costs.

I'm still quite skeptical of state DOTs having more control with design-build and progressive design-build processes than with traditional design-bid-build.  It does always seem to come down to how good of an EIC you have and the DB process has certainly felt like less control in my experience rather than more.

That said, experience with alternative letting processes is still evolving.  Recently, heard someone involved in an ongoing project say that design-build is more about letting go in some aspects while asserting control in other aspects of the design process.  I do wonder how things will evolve in that matter if that mentality holds (e.g., especially regarding preferred bidder lists for design-build projects).

Then again, an old NYSDOT manager once told me that design-build meant getting a project done in half the time for twice the price.

I suppose the short of it is the current prices are pretty much here to stay to some degree and it's just a matter of seeing what can be done about the inflation rate in upcoming years (I don't think much intervention would be effective).

(personal opinion emphasized)

[silverback1065]

The new US 52 exit is exit 143. It is signed as US 52 West with control cities of Lafayette and Lebanon. It used to have no control cities. The exit is very nice with black decorative acorn lighting and all black poles for the signs and signals. There is a new green T intersection just west of 65 that is not fully open yet and there is a tighter curve to tie it into the existing alignment. Just north of the curve the next few side roads they have installed full turn lanes.

[ITB]

INDOT has issued a Draft RFP for an I-70 mainline project between SR 39 and SR 267. More specifically, the project will involve the widening of I-70 to three lanes in each direction from 0.76 mile west of SR 39 to SR 267, the widening of the SR 39 bridge to five lanes, as well as other bridge rehabilitation, culvert and shoulder work. The added lanes will be carved from the median.

According to the Draft RFP, INDOT plans to announce the selected contractor and contract award November 6, 2026. The agreement is expected to be executed by November 17, 2026.

The contract will be awarded using an alternative contracting method, Progressive Design-Build, or PDB, in which design and construction are delivered under a single, two-phase agreement with INDOT.

Confirming exactly what will be built has been challenging, but an INDOT Consultant RFP from July 14, 2026, offers some details and affirms the I-70 widening.

Reviewing the Final RFP for INDOT's I-70 proposed project in Hendricks County, I discovered some pertinent information that must be conveyed.

First and foremost, it's uncertain the project will involve the widening of I-70 between SR 267 (Quaker Boulevard) and SR 39. Here's exactly what the Final RFQ says:

1.3 Project Goals

  (3) Prioritize construction packages to replace I-70 pavement with interchange work if funding is available and Added Travel Lanes if funding is available.
.....
1.4 Project Description and Status

The Project is located in Hendricks County (Contract: R-43714, Des No. 2002959) and includes the design and reconstruction of pavement from 0.58 miles west of SR 39 to 0.45 miles west of SR 267 (Quaker Boulevard (Blvd)), bridge replacement and/or rehabilitation on five bridge pairs within the corridor.
.....
Finally, note that, if funding becomes available, additional scope, such as construction of an added travel lane (ATL) and/or reconstruction of the interchange at the I-70 and Quaker Blvd intersection may be added to the contract.


So, there it is. Added travel lanes may be added to the contract if funding becomes available.

I've been shaking my head wondering why I decided to put up a post stating that I-70 is to be widened, when the RFP makes clear that added travel lanes are contingent on funding being available. Then I realized it was from the INDOT consultant RFP, which I had dug up and linked in my first post. That explicitly said widening was part of the project:

Construction Inspection Services
Added Travel Lanes, Bridge Replacements, and Bridge Rehabilitation on I-70 from 0.76 miles W of SR-39 through SR-267 interchange.

https://pscsrfp.indot.in.gov/Item/Details?rfpItemId=21720

Evidently, since that consultant RFP the scope of the project has been significantly scaled back to primarily focus on "reconstruction of pavement from SR 39 to Quaker Boulevard (Blvd), bridge replacement and/or rehabilitation on five bridge pairs within the corridor."

The Final RFP:

https://www.in.gov/indot/files/I70MainlineatPlainfieldFinalRFP.pdf

[Great Lakes Roads]

Editorial: Tolling I-70 In Indiana May Be Inevitable
The editorial board of The Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne, Indiana, highlights the state's structural transportation funding deficit and the potential solution that tolling I-70 could offer. Governor Mike Braun (R) pitched the idea last year and met strong opposition, but reportedly still hasn't ruled it out because the state needs more money to keep pace with growing demand and unsustainable increases in highway infrastructure costs.

Points supporting the editorial board's case for tolling include:

• "A July 2024 study of INDOT's revenue revealed that 'within a few years' shortfalls will leave the state unable to invest in new infrastructure projects. Resources instead will be tied up in preserving existing infrastructure."
• Since 2022, focus has shifted from routine highway repaving to more substantial capital projects, especially in urban areas where several factors make the work more costly.
• One recent project that cost $46 million for one mile of interstate represents a 450 percent increase over the average cost of $8.4 million per mile in 2015.
• Postponed road projects are piling up.
• "One 2017 feasibility study produced for the Indiana Department of Transportation estimated that a statewide interstate tolling program would have an 85% chance of generating upwards of $39 billion by 2050. It further reported a 50% chance that revenue could exceed $53 billion over the same time frame."

"Taxpayer investment in transportation is a fundamental driver of economic development," the board writes.

The editorial relies heavily on Brian Gould, executive director of the Build Indiana Coalition, for context. He maintains that some form of I-70 tolling cannot be avoided unless federal or state fuel tax is significantly increased.

[silverback1065]

I wouldn't be surprised if 65 gets tolled too. funding for roads keeps needing to be increased due to costs. especially since 2020.

[NWI_Irish96]

I wouldn't be surprised if 65 gets tolled too. funding for roads keeps needing to be increased due to costs. especially since 2020.

Would 100% be willing to pay tolls on 65 if that means it gets 6-laned throughout the entire state.

[Rothman]

I wouldn't be surprised if 65 gets tolled too. funding for roads keeps needing to be increased due to costs. especially since 2020.

Would 100% be willing to pay tolls on 65 if that means it gets 6-laned throughout the entire state.

Pfft.  I sat in a toll line on the Indiana Toll Road on one of my trips this past year.  Hadn't sat in a toll line in years due to automatic tolling in its various forms having been implemented everywhere else in the Northeast.  Sign over your infrastructure to private interests and suffer being decades behind in providing actual convenience to the public.

[NWI_Irish96]

I wouldn't be surprised if 65 gets tolled too. funding for roads keeps needing to be increased due to costs. especially since 2020.

Would 100% be willing to pay tolls on 65 if that means it gets 6-laned throughout the entire state.

Pfft.  I sat in a toll line on the Indiana Toll Road on one of my trips this past year.  Hadn't sat in a toll line in years due to automatic tolling in its various forms having been implemented everywhere else in the Northeast.  Sign over your infrastructure to private interests and suffer being decades behind in providing actual convenience to the public.

I guess I should have said I'd be willing to pay tolls if it gets 6-laned AND they make it open road tolling.

[ITB]

INDOT is hosting an Industry Day event November 10. Projects to be discussed include:

• I-65 over S.R. 46
Gateway Arch Bridge in Bartholomew County

• Inner Loop Bridge
I-65 Bridge in Indianapolis

* Revive I-70 Contract 3
I-70 Improvements in Richmond

• U.S. 30 Corridor Improvements
U.S. 30 in Fort Wayne

[silverback1065]

  are they planning on widening the I-65 over 46 bridge? I don't see how they do that without full replacement.