INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation recently announced its preliminary preferred alternative to reconstruct the I-65/I-70 North Split in downtown Indianapolis. The alternative will improve bridge and pavement conditions, correct the most severe safety problems and improve operations, while minimizing the footprint of the interchange. INDOT will not add through lanes to the North Split.
After several community meetings and discussions with neighbors who would be impacted by adding lanes through historic areas and emerging commercial corridors, INDOT created a plan that will not encroach into residential areas. The project will include modern bridge structures, wider sidewalks, improved aesthetics, and enhanced landscaping.
More information on INDOT’s preliminary preferred alternative and an electronic version of the alternatives screening report can be found online at northsplit.com.
INDOT will host a public open house on Wed., Oct. 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Arsenal Technical High School (1500 E. Michigan St.) to describe the process of evaluating alternatives and the results of its analysis. Public comment on the alternatives screening report will be accepted through Monday, October 29.
Following conclusion of the 30-day public comment period, INDOT will continue to accept community input as the environmental review process moves forward. Preliminary design is expected to begin in 2019 and construction is anticipated to begin in 2020.
Indy Chamber issued a statement in support of the new plans. ndy Chamber Chief Policy Officer Mark Fisher made the following statement after an initial review of the revised approach:
“Specifically, we’re pleased that the new plan actually reduces the physical footprint of the interchange, avoids walls and other engineering elements that would unnecessarily divide neighborhoods, and actually envisions a transfer of land to the city for green space.
“We’ve seen promising redevelopment along East 10th Street and other Near East Side neighborhoods, and the reconstruction of the North Split can now be seen asa catalyst, not an impediment, to this progress. The ability to enhance walkability — preserving more land around the Monon and Cultural Trails — is also a benefit to quality of life, the appeal of these areas to new residents, and opportunities for new development.”
