Frequently Asked Questions
General
Why is this project needed?
The interchange at I-465, I-69 and Binford Boulevard is one of the most frequently traveled in central Indiana. More than 150,000 vehicles travel in this area every day.
During the peak evening travel period, every segment in the project area operates at a level of service (LOS) of D or E. (LOS is the level at which a roadway allows the flow of vehicles and is rated by grades. A represents the least amount of congestion and F represents the most. LOS D is the lowest accepted level for an urban environment.) If nothing is done, six of the seven segments will operate at a LOS F by the year 2031.
The primary purpose of the project is to reduce expected 2031 traffic congestion and enhance mobility in the area by utilizing safety design elements. In addition, this project complements many plans of other local municipalities - including the City of Carmel and the Indianapolis Department of Public Works - to improve and expand local roads that cross over and under I-465 and I-69.
How many vehicles travel through this area each day?
Within the project limits on I-465, the annual average daily traffic (AADT) counts range from 142,915 to 150,640.
On I-69 from I-465 to 96th Street, the AADT ranges from 152,195 to 173,495.
Where is the project located and what roads will be impacted? Where will the construction begin and end?
The project includes eight miles of I-465, from just east of the US 31 interchange to just north of Fall Creek Road, as well as more than two miles of I-69, crossing over 82nd Street and ending just south of the 96th Street interchange.
What studies were conducted prior to this project?
In addition to the ConNECTions study, which examined transportation alternatives as part of the Federal Transit Administration and the Federal Highway Administration, a Feasible Alternatives Selection Report was completed, which examines traffic patterns and possible safety measures for the project. The recommendations included adding travel lanes in both directions and designing more effective and safer interchanges.
What is the timeline for each stretch/phase?
The exact timeline will be confirmed as the 25 percent design plans are finalized. At this time, INDOT expects the first phase – I-465 from US 31 to Keystone Avenue – to begin construction in 2012.
What is driving the construction timeline?
The construction timeline is driven by the right of way identification and acquisition process, the availability of construction dollars and the plans of other local municipalities.
What is the estimated cost for construction?
At this point, the estimated cost is $567 million, representing a large investment in the northeast side of Indianapolis.
How will the project be funded?
Projects such as this are funded through federal and state transportation dollars.
How will the interchange designs be changed?
Various alternatives for redesigning the I-465/Keystone Avenue, I-465/Allisonville Road, I-465/I-69 and I-69/East 82nd Street interchanges are being evaluated as part of the 25 percent design plans.
Is there a separate project planned for I-69 north of 96th Street?
INDOT is still in the planning stages for I-69 through Hamilton County.
With increased traffic capacity, will the noise levels increase? What will be done to mitigate that?
A detailed assessment of noise levels and the possible installation of noise barrier walls will be conducted as design progresses.
Why don’t we use this money to develop another form of transit, like rail?
Mass transit alternatives were studied as part of the ConNECTions study. The research revealed that motorists were not starting from and ending at concentrated common areas and that there would not be enough riders to pay for the transit operating costs. Further, it was found that the only alternative that met the purpose and need of the project - to reduce congestion, improve safety and align with state and local transportation plans - was this alternative.
Will public transportation/commuter express service be provided during the construction of the project?
Because of the extensive nature of the project, there are no plans at this time to provide commuter express services for this project, as it affects commuters in many areas. However, an express service may be further evaluated as part of the maintenance of traffic plan after design progresses.
Will high-occupancy lanes be considered for this project?
Because the project is still in the initial design phase, the addition of high-occupancy lanes has not been decided.
I represent a group/organization and have questions regarding the project. Can the 465/69 project team speak to my group?
Yes. The 465/69 project team is happy to meet with or speak to any group/organization at any time. Please feel free to contact Aimee Kindred for more information.
Are there alternate traffic route plans during construction; if so, what are they?
The maintenance of traffic plans will be developed as design advances, near the completion of the 50 percent design plans.
What will be the emergency routes for police, fire and medical equipment?
Throughout the study, design and construction, INDOT will work closely with local emergency responders to ensure a local access plan is in place to accommodate emergency vehicles.
How will this project coincide with Carmel’s project on Keystone or the state’s project on US 31 through Hamilton County?
INDOT is working with the City of Carmel and Hamilton County on the phasing for all three projects. Details on the exact timing for the three projects will be announced as they become available.
How can I get involved and stay informed as the project progresses?
We will be sending out an e-newsletter with updates. To sign up, click here and complete the brief form. We’ll send the latest news on construction timelines, events and more directly to your inbox.
What opportunities are there for contractors as part of this project?
Opportunities for contractors to bid on INDOT projects are listed on INDOT’s “Doing business with INDOT” link on the Web site.
Land acquisition-specific
When will property owners be contacted about surveying and/or land acquisition?
Notice of survey letters have been mailed to affected property owners, so some property owners may see surveying done now. The project team will make decisions about temporary and permanent right of way as stage one (25 percent) design plans are completed.
How is "fair market value" calculated? Are property owners going to be compensated for only their property, or also the cost of moving and taking time off work?
All property acquired by INDOT follows the guidelines of the Uniform Act and appraisal industry requirements (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice). Government programs designed to benefit the public as a whole often result in acquisition of private property, which prompted the passage of the Uniform Act in 1971.
Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 contains important protections and assistance for people affected by federally funded projects. This law ensures that people whose real property is acquired, or who move as a result of projects receiving federal funds, will be treated fairly and equitably and will receive assistance in moving from the property they occupy.
Homeowners are compensated for the cost of moving, but not for time taken off work to relocate.
How will we be compensated if you don't purchase our land, but our property values decrease?
INDOT complies with the Uniform Act when purchasing right of way for its projects. There is no compensation unless the property is located within the right of way or reasonable access to the property cannot be maintained. Damages are paid only for a property if the proposed right of way takes a portion of the property, causing that parcel to lose value. Those property owners who did not have all or a portion of their parcels purchased will not receive compensation.
What happens if someone won’t sell his/her property? Can they stop the project?
While we hope this situation will not arise, statutes allow for legal remedies to keep this project moving forward. So, while they may slightly slow the process, they cannot stop the project itself.
