INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Transportation will close I-70 eastbound and westbound from I-465 to the North Split for approximately 30 days as they move one of their major construction projects forward.
This is part of an initiative to accelerate some of the late-season construction for the Indianapolis area during a time when less drivers are on the road because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to prepare for the influx of drivers from the spring and summer events that have been rescheduled to later this year.
INDOT will begin the projects in mid-April:
- I-70 EB will close from the North Split to I-465 on April 13. All lanes and ramps will be closed for 30 days, scheduled to reopen on May 13.
- I-70 WB from I-465 to the North Split will close on April 23. All lanes and ramps will be closed for 30 days, scheduled to reopen on May 23.
The following detours will be in place while construction is taking place:
- From the airport to I-70 EB: Take I-70 EB to I-465 SB to I-70 EB.
- From Downtown Indianapolis to I-70 EB: Take I-65 SB to I-465 EB to I-70 EB.
- From I-70 WB to Downtown Indianapolis: Take I-465 SB to I-65 NB to Downtown Indianapolis.
- From I-70 WB to the airport: Take I-465 SB to I-70 WB on the Southwest side.
INDOT says the decision to accelerate these construction projects the governor's stay-at-home order has reduced the amount of traffic on the Indianapolis area by roughly 40% and
"With that in mind, INDOT and contractor partner, Milestone Contractors, are accelerating planned construction on I-70 to allow work to be done before major events resume. Full interstate closures are being used to ensure safety for workers, reduce the overall construction time, and maximize use of taxpayer dollars," INDOT said in a release sent out Monday morning. "In construction zones, please slow down and pay attention. During the full closures, be prepared to find alternate routes."
