Weather permitting, construction contractors plan to temporarily close two lanes of eastbound I-465 and the southbound I-65 ramp to eastbound I-465 during overnight hours starting tonight at 9 p.m. until 6 a.m.
The overnight lane and ramp closures will allow crews to begin removal of the I-65 bridges above as part of a $19.6 million project rebuilding six I-65 bridges over I-465 and Lick Creek on the south side of Indianapolis. These same traffic restrictions are scheduled to recur each night through at least Sunday morning, weather permitting.
Traffic during construction
Starting March 22, two lanes of southbound I-65 were shifted across the median to share the widened northbound side of the interstate. Opposing directions of traffic are separated by temporary concrete barriers. Traffic is expected to remain in this Phase 1 configuration through mid-summer.
Traffic lane shifts, median crossovers and ramp closures are necessary to complete the project in phases while maximizing safety and mobility. Northbound I-65 will have three lanes and southbound I-65 will have two lanes throughout construction, except for overnight lane closures.
I-465 underneath the bridges will have closed shoulders and overnight lane closures. Specific dates and traffic restrictions will be announced in advance and communicated to motorists using electronic message signs. All interstate lane closures will be scheduled between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The I-65 and I-465 speed limits will be reduced to 55 mph through the work zone and further reduced to 45 mph when workers are present and lights are flashing.
Ramp closures ahead
The southbound I-65 ramp to eastbound I-465 is scheduled to close in April for up to 150 days. During the ramp closure, signed detours will direct traffic to Southport Road (Exit 103) to return northbound and access eastbound I-465.
Later this summer, both directions of I-65 traffic will be shifted to share the southbound side of the interstate while construction is completed on the northbound side. Phase 2 will also close the northbound I-65 ramp to westbound I-465 for up to 150 days.
Bridge construction is expected to be substantially complete, with all lanes and ramps open to traffic, before the end of this year.
SOURCE: INDOT East Central