INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Governor Eric J. Holcomb, Vice President Mike Pence, and Governor Mitch Daniels joined INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith on Tuesday to celebrate the opening of the Interstate 69 corridor connecting Evansville to Indianapolis.
“This historic milestone, completed three years ahead of schedule, is the culmination of decades-long planning efforts and progress,” said Gov. Holcomb. “The opening of the I-69 Finish Line corridor completes not only a direct connection between Evansville and Indianapolis but also to and through Kentucky, Michigan, and to our Canadian and Mexican supply chain trade markets.”
Construction on the Finish Line project, the final segment of I-69, began in 2019 in Martinsville. Since then, the $2 billion project has upgraded more than 26 miles of State Road 37 to interstate standards, constructed ten new interchanges, and built more than 35 lane miles of local access roads through Morgan, Johnson, and Marion Counties.
INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith said, “I cannot overstate the gratitude I have for the thousands in our industry who have worked countless hours to bring the nation’s newest interstate to fruition.”
The area near I-465 will remain an active construction zone after the interchange opens to traffic. Drivers can expect temporary lane closures and reduced speed limits as crews complete bridge and pavement work before moving I-465 into its permanent configuration later this year. This includes construction at the existing Harding Street interchange. More information is available here.
Most remaining work will be on I-465, between I-65 and I-70 on the southwest side of Indianapolis, through the end of 2024. Once complete, there will be an additional lane for travel in both directions.
