INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Transportation, in its latest update on the ongoing North Split project, says work could last until at least April of 2023.
The agency said Friday that it anticipates Interstate 70 could be open to traffic by early to mid-January and Interstate 65 by the end of April.
"Reopening the North Split interchange is dependent upon a number of factors," INDOT said in a press release. Included among those factors are weather, supply chain and workforce.
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INDOT says it never expected so many delays but is hopeful the project is now in the final stretch.
"We want to get it done but part of the deal is it's a once in a lifetime project," INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith said.
The project is aimed at cutting down on crashes and congestion.
The agency's goal was to re-open the major corridor by the end of 2022, but labor and supply chain shortages, along with the weather, has pushed it back until at least April of 2023.
"Steel products right now are on allocation. The other commodity is aluminum. The big signs lead-time on those would've been six months, now you're at 18 months getting that so when you bid a project right ow you have to order it that day," INDOT Deputy Commissioner of Construction Roland Fegan, P.E. said.
"Was this expected?" asked WRTV's Rachael Wilkerson.
"Not at all. I think this is really unprecedented for what we have seen in the industry," Fegan, P.E. said. "If normal supply chains were in play I think we'd have a different conversation today."
The contractors are required to meet certain deadlines throughout the project.
They get relief from delays caused by weather conditions and supply chain issues, according to INDOT.
"We've got things written into the contract in terms of penalties but also incentives if they meet their deadlines. We are working with our contractor to navigate increased costs but also hold them into account to make sure they are hitting their deadlines and how we are going to move forward to finish out the project," Smith said.
The massive renovations were expected to cost around $350 million.
The agency says that's changed with delays and inflation.
"I can't speculate on how much that will be, those details are to be determined," Smith said. "Luckily, with the result of positive revenues for the course of the year, and additional funds from the bipartisan infrastructure law we have been able to weather across our total portfolio the inflation and the increased prices that we have seen without having to derail our program."
With the closure, there is more traffic on city streets.
"We've been working with Indianapolis DPW and our partners over there to talk about impacts we've seen, and they've seen and we will make sure we work through a final agreement to see what we've done, or what the traffic has done," Smith said.
The closure has impacted local businesses, including Andrews Florist.
"I would say that it's that it's hard to get to people will end up be on the other side of town and saying that they couldn't get off, they couldn't figure out how to get here," Owner Anne Burnes said.
The re-opening pushback is news she didn't want to hear.
"It's disappointing for sure because all of the downtown, all of the traffic and stuff really relies on jumping on and off of 70 and I-65 North," Burnes said.
In the end, she says it'll be worth the wait.
"It'll be great for the city," Burnes said.
INDOT thanks the workers for sticking through the shortage and pushing forward.
"The workers that have been out there are doing a phenomenal job. They should be thanked and appreciated. They are out there in sub temps so time when it's raining and whatnot," Smith said.
The ramp from Rural Street and Keystone Avenue to westbound I-70 is expected to reopen by the end of 2022, according to the release. It will follow the reopening of the following ramps:
- Delaware Street to eastbound I-70, which reopened in October
- Pine Street to eastbound I-70, which reopened in early November
- I-70 westbound to Michigan Street, which is open now
- Collector/Distributor ramp to Michigan Street, which is open now
The Collector/Distributor ramp will open to Ohio Street and Fletcher Avenue in March or April, INDOT says.
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When the Meridian and Pennsylvania streets ramp opens, it will be accessible from northbound I-65 only. Westbound I-70 will no longer have access to the ramp once the interchange is complete.
INDOT also says the following will be completed:
- All bridge decks constructed, and asphalt paving complete by the end of 2022
- I-70 movements open to traffic by January 2023
- Continued concrete paving by February or March 2023
- I-65 movements open to traffic by April 2023
- Interchange to be fully open by the end of April 2023
- Aesthetic work and local street paving through 2023
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