25-03-2025
INDOT: Construction to begin on I-65 in southeast Indy. Project will take years
A massive series of construction projects will begin later this spring on I-65 in southeast Indianapolis, the Indiana Department of Transportation announced Tuesday.
The I-65 Safety and Efficiency Project will affect about 5 miles of highway spanning from the I-465 interchange to north of Fletcher Avenue. Improvements include replacing bridges, repaving and adding a travel lane to reduce traffic congestion.
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The state says the project will help traffic flow and improve safety. Construction, which is expected to last about two years, will be completed by Milestone Contractors.
Two lanes of travel in each direction will be open "most of the time" during construction, according to INDOT.
Both southbound and northbound I-65 will be closed for three weekends each throughout 2025 and 2026.
The Morris/Prospect bridge will close for 30 days, and the Hanna Avenue bridge, which is being fully replaced, could close for up to a year. Ramps, which will be closed intermittently throughout the project, could be out of commission for as many as 12 weeks at a time.
More: I-65 project will lead to multi-year closures. What to know about the plan
The road's existing shoulder will be converted into a fourth travel lane in both directions, though more pavement will need to be laid in the southern third of the work area.
Bridges at Naomi Street, Pleasant Run, and Morris Street will be widened to accommodate the new travel lane. The bridge at Hanna Avenue will be replaced entirely.
The northbound bridge over Morris/Prospect will be outfitted with a new superstructure, deck and beams. Each side of the bridge will get ta new 10-foot sidewalk, too.
Structural improvements to these three bridges as well as to the other 18 bridges along the corridor will extend their lifespan, planners said.
Beginning in spring 2026, pavement will be patched and relaid from south of the I-65/I-70 overpass to north of Fletcher Avenue. The storm sewers in the area are being replaced.
Broken sidewalk panels along the interstate will be patched, too, and underpass lighting for pedestrians crossing under bridges will be updated.
The abandoned railroad bridge north of Fletcher Avenue and south of Bates Street will be removed in spring 2026.
Construction is expected to last two years, according to INDOT.
People can text "INDOT I65SandE" to 468311 for text updates. You can also sign up for email updates on the project website.
Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter for IndyStar. She can be reached at rhmurphy@
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Massive construction project set to begin on I-65 in southeast Indy
