One of the largest road projects in Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels’ Major Moves highway program has entered its design phase. The $567 million 465/69 Northeast project will dramatically widen and rebuild eight miles of I-465 and more than two miles of I-69 in northeastern Marion County.
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has awarded URS Corp., an international engineering firm with an office in Indianapolis, a design contract worth up to $46.6 million. Other services that URS will perform on the state’s behalf include project management, financial planning, environmental documentation, land acquisition, permitting and utility coordination. To expedite the project schedule, URS contractors have already begun surveying topographical features and drilling for soils testing.
The 465/69 Northeast project will upgrade I-465 from just east of U.S. 31/Meridian Street to the bridge over Fall Creek, and I-69 from 75th Street to just south of 96th Street. More than 150,000 vehicles move through the project corridor each day, making it one of the most heavily traveled in the state. Construction is scheduled to start on the west end of the project in 2012.
The 465/69 Northeast project will relieve weekday congestion for half of the busy I-69 commuting corridor between the I-465 and S.R. 37 exits. Work to widen I-69 north of the I-465 interchange is scheduled to begin no later than 2014. INDOT is also planning to bid a separate $9 million Major Moves contract in 2009 for I-69 interim improvements in Hamilton County.
Citizens can follow the design progress and learn more about the project on the Web at Major Moves.
