INDOT Takes Input On I-465 Reconfiguration Project

On Wednesday The Indiana Department of Public Transportation introduced an Interstate 465 reconfiguration project and took public comment.

The project will take place on the southside of Indianapolis, from just west of U.S. 31 to the I-465 and I-65 interchange and between the I-70 interchange and Mann Road. The plan is to widen I-465 in both directions, build retaining walls and make ramps onto the interstate longer.

Deanna Medsker lives in the Northwest Perry Neighborhood and says she’s excited about the project improving safety.

“It will definitely be a little painful for residents,” Medsker says. “Any of this road construction is going to be painful for a short period of time, or hopefully what will be a short period of time, but I think long term it’ll be worthwhile.”

Between 2015 and 2017, there were 410 crashes within the project area. The project plans to widen I-465 in both directions, build retaining walls and make ramps onto the interstate longer.

Mallory Duncan, media director for INDOT, says this project responds to the concerns heard previously.

“So we are adding travel lanes, we are extending off ramps, so people can get off interstates safely and have enough time to change their speed to get onto city streets,” Duncan says. “And that will improve safety overall, as people aren't weaving in and out too quickly get on that off ramp.”

Duncan says the project will ease congestion in the area.

"We've had a lot more traffic come through," she says. "As the city of Indianapolis grows, as the state grows, there are more people, so we're trying to ease that.

Construction plans aren’t yet finalized. They are slated to be completed in 2021. The next public hearing will be held this fall. INDOT aims to finish the project in 2024.