New Study Rethinks Indy Inner Loop

A new study analyzing future options for Indianapolis’s inner loop comes as North Split construction is well underway. 

The Inner Loop Visionary Study from The Rethink Coalition and the Indy Chamber, compares two construction plans. One keeps the highway “as is” while modernizing it and another recesses the road to create better connectivity, quality of life and equitable development.

The Rethink Coalition was created after the Indiana Department of Transportation announced plans to redo interstates 65 and 70 in 2018. Some of the plans to update the decades old infrastructure caused concern among community members because of the history of the highway.

Indy Chamber Manager Taylor Hughes said the original system chopped up neighborhoods, demolished buildings and displaced thousands of households, many not receiving a fair market price for their property.

“And racial bias certainly played a role in that distinction. And what we also know is that these communities have continued to struggle as they live close to the interstate over the last generation,” Hughes said.

The recessed option would cost an estimated $2.8 billion compared to $2.3 as is. The study finds this option also has the potential to reclaim land and increase development.

The coalition aims to be proactive ahead of any future I-65/70 and South Split plans from INDOT.

Indy Chamber Chief Policy Officer Mark Fisher said INDOT worked with the coalition to amend parts of the North Split project to be less invasive and adaptable to changes.

“Do it in a way that didn't preclude future options and future options to recess the highway,” Fisher said.

The study was completed with funding from the Lilly Endowment.  Public outreach and community meetings will be planned in the coming months and years.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.