A Greener Welcome

I-70 closes for day of service

On Oct. 7 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., a six-mile stretch of Interstate-70 (I-70) will be closed to all traffic from I-465 on the west side of Indianapolis to the I-65/I-70 South split near downtown.

During this period all I-70 interchanges along the project route will be closed, including, Sam Jones Expressway, Holt Road, Harding Street, West Street, Illinois Street/Capitol Avenue and Meridian Street.

The interstate will be temporarily closed for a major beautification project. Some 8,500 volunteers will be planting more than 70,000 native plants, trees and shrubs, creating A Greener Welcome to our city.

The 12-hour closure was granted by the Federal Highway Administration to ensure the safety of volunteers working at the interchanges, as well as motorists who could be distracted causing crashes. The closing will also enable the project to be completed in 12 hours.

Frequently asked questions

When will I-70 be closed?
Thursday, Oct.7 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What part of the highway is closed?
I-70 on the west side of Indianapolis from I-465 to I-65 downtown. All I-70 interchanges along the project route, including Sam Jones Expressway, Holt Road; Harding, West and Meridian streets and Illinois Street/Capitol Avenue.

Why is the highway closing for this project?
To ensure safety of volunteers working along the highway, as well as motorists who could be distracted by the work causing crashes. Closing this six-mile portion of the highway will also enable the project to be completed in 12 hours.

How do I get to the Indianapolis International Airport from downtown if I-70 is closed?
Alternate interstate routes are I-65 and I-465 Washington Street or Raymond Street

How will traffic get around the closed section of I-70?
West detour: Traffic coming from the west will be diverted at I-465. The detour route will be I-465 south to I-65 north, then reconnecting with I-70 east of downtown. Through traffic will be routed on I-465 on the south side, reconnecting with I-70 on the east side. East detour: Traffic coming from the east will be diverted at I-65. The detour route will be I-65 south to I-465 west, then reconnecting with I-70 and continuing west. Through traffic will be routed on I-465 on the south side, reconnecting with I-70 on the west side.

How will motorists learn about the closure?
Motorists will be notified while on the roadways by overhead electronic message signs that will be activated Monday, Oct. 4. Advertisements about the project and closure will run in statewide media. Statewide media and traffic reporters will also help to inform the public.

Thank you in advance for your support of this worthwhile project and for your understanding for any inconvenience this temporary closure may cause. Back to The Torch home