Eastbound Interstate 70 set to reopen through North Split, INDOT says
Westbound lanes of I-70 through the North Split aren’t expected to reopen to motorists until the end of January, weather permitting.
Interstates/Highways
Articles
U.S. study: More than half of car crash victims had drugs in system
Although the study authors say the results can’t be used to gauge drug use on the roads nationwide, they say the high number of drivers, passengers and other road users with drugs in their systems is concerning.
IBJ Podcast: Indianapolis, suburbs banding together to seek more state funding for local roads
In a conversation with host Mason King, IBJ reporter Peter Blanchard discusses the state formula and the potential that legislators would be receptive to funding charges.
Indiana plans 100 EV fast-charging stations on major roads
About 40 stations, including roughly a dozen in the Indianapolis area, will be partially funded through Indiana’s $100 million portion of the $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed last November.
State plans new I-65 exit near Boone County’s innovation district
INDOT wants to build an interchange at West County Road 300 North that would serve the planned 7,000-acre LEAP Innovation and Research District.
New road-safety chief: Agency to scrutinize auto-driver technology
Any new regulations the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration might impose would fill what critics say is an urgent need to address the growing use of driver-assistance systems on U.S. roads.
2022 Innovation Issue: Growth of EVs has government, private companies scrambling to develop charging infrastructure
Indiana transportation and energy leaders, driven by millions of dollars in federal, state and private funding, are advancing a spate of new initiatives to bulk up the state’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Nearly 43,000 people died on U.S. roads last year, agency says
The 10.5% jump over 2020 numbers was the largest percentage increase since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began its fatality data collection system in 1975.
INDOT selects preferred route of planned Mid-States Corridor
State officials have chosen the “Alternative P” route over several other options as the preferred route of a proposed highway that would run from the Ohio River to Interstate 69, linking small southern Indiana communities to I-69.
State lawmakers table IndyGo Blue Line amendment
The House Ways and Means Committee on Monday tabled an amendment that would have conditioned the removal of some public transportation funding requirements on compliance with new lane minimums—which would’ve involved budget-busting redesign and land acquisition over several miles of the proposed 24-mile route.
Winter storm updates: State COVID clinics to be closed Friday | Duke Energy warns of widespread power outages | Museums closed Thursday
Winter weather continued to hit central Indiana and much of the state on Thursday. Keep up with the latest here.
New I-69 section reopens in central Indiana
The northbound lanes of I-69 through Martinsville were opened Monday morning following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The southbound lanes are expected open later in the week.
New Interstate 69 section could open in December
State highway officials expect to open a new section of the Interstate 69 extension project between Indianapolis and Bloomington by the end of the year.
Local companies eye big opportunities in federal infrastructure package
The $1.2 trillion law could be a boon for huge corporations like Cummins Inc. and Allison Transmission Inc. and smaller ones like Telamon Corp., 120Water Inc. and BCA Environmental Consultants LLC.
Indiana to land $8.8 billion from U.S. infrastructure bill
One Indiana project likely to be expedited as a result is widening interstates 65 and 70 to six lanes the full length and breadth of the state.
Indiana Avenue advocates say interstate plans key to revitalization
Groups that hope to see revitalization in the Indiana Avenue neighborhood are paying close attention to how future interstate construction projects will affect the area.
Indiana’s highway system stagnant in national ranking, study says
The foundation’s 26th annual highway rankings place the Hoosier state at 32 for the second straight year, dinging it for poor rural and urban interstate pavement, insufficient maintenance expenditures, low capital and bridge spending, and more.
Road safety agency: Traffic deaths rise again as drivers take risks
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said traffic deaths in the first quarter of 2021 rose by 10.5% over last year, even as driving has declined.
Indianapolis group wants sections of I-65, I-70 underground
Rethink Coalition Inc, in partnership with the Indy Chamber, put together a $2.8 billion proposal to rebuild the “Inner Loop” partially underground, which the researchers say would connect communities and save far more room for economic development and green space.
Residents fighting U.S. 24 changes in northern Indiana
The Indiana Department of Transportation has proposed building a so-called “J-turns” at the intersection of U.S. 24 and Indiana 19 just north of Peru.