ProPEL Indy releases latest report on interstate improvements, seeks public input

A new report is out as part of an ongoing, extensive study on the highway system in Indianapolis.

ProPEL Indy is a two-year planning project to identify improvements for sections of I-65 and I-70, including the south split.

The Indiana Department of Transportation heads the effort, and its Strategic Communications Director Natalie Garrett says the new report presents 24 solutions.

"14 of those will be moving forward, then one of the ones moving forward, those include interchange improvements, added travel lanes, recessed roadways, and signature bridges," Garrett said.

The Universe of Concepts Report is a two-part project, and the public is encouraged to provide input. To date, more than 1,400 comments have been submitted.

Federal and state dollars are funding the ongoing study that should wrap up later next year.

Garrett said in addition to community and stakeholder input, solutions will also be driven by transportation data.

"We are aware of areas that may experience, for example, higher crash rates than others. You know, data like that is part of our analysis," Garrett said.

The intensive study includes a robust community outreach and input to ensure best quality of life solutions. The current system was built more than 40 years ago when this type of planning did not happen. That process resulted in highways cutting through historic neighborhoods and the displacement of communities.

Garrett said the ProPEL website includes a new interactive tool that helps people visualize concepts.

"It's a map tool, and it shows all of the various potential concepts, and you can drag and drop those to various locations on I-65 and I-70," Garrett said.

Planning and Environment Linkage, or PEL, studies are federal programs that guide interstate improvement. INDOT will look at transportation, environmental, community, and economic goals.

The comment period for this part of the concepts study is open until Jan 5, 2025. The study is scheduled to be complete in the Fall of 2025.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.