INDIANAPOLIS — Milestone Contractors plans to begin construction on or after April 1 of an additional lane on eastbound Interstate 70 between I-465 and Post Road (Exit 91) on the east side of Indianapolis.
The additional lane will be built along the right shoulder of eastbound I-70 and is intended to improve traffic flow and safety by increasing capacity and reducing unnecessary merging as traffic from I-465 enters eastbound I-70 and vehicles exit to Post Road.
The project will also make full-depth concrete repairs to eastbound and westbound I-70 pavement in the same area, as well as paint overpass bridges at Franklin Way and Emerson Avenue.
Construction is expected to be complete before the end of this year.
The first phase of construction will shift all lanes to the left on eastbound I-70 and the Exit 91 ramp to Post Road. The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph through the interstate work zones and reduced further to 45 mph when workers are present and lights are flashing. Overnight and weekend lane and ramp closures will be scheduled throughout the project and announced in advance. At least two lanes of I-70 will remain open at all times.
The northbound I-465 ramp to eastbound I-70 may be closed on weeknights from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and on weekends starting on Friday at 9 p.m. until Monday at 5 a.m. Traffic will be detoured westbound on I-70 to the Shadeland Avenue interchange to return eastbound on I-70.
The eastbound I-70 Exit 91 ramp to Post Road is planned to close for at least one weekend starting on a Friday at 9 p.m. until Monday at 6 a.m. During this closure, traffic will be directed to continue eastbound on I-70 to Mt. Comfort Road interchange to return westbound on I-70 and access Post Road.
Various lane closures can be expected on eastbound and westbound I-70, the southbound I-465 ramp to eastbound I-70, and the I-70 eastbound exit ramp to Post Road on weeknights from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and on weekends starting on Friday at 9 p.m. until Monday at 5 a.m.