New I-70 Eastbound Ramp Opening to I-65 Southbound
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) contractors plan to open tonight the new I-70 eastbound ramp to I-65 southbound. The ramp pavement was lowered and reconstructed in two weeks to provide additional clearance underneath the Morris Street bridge in downtown Indianapolis. Time lapse video of the construction may be viewed at http://youtu.be/vutoeAEkSTA.
Since Sept. 3, I-70 eastbound has remained open to I-65 southbound using temporary pavement and a 30 MPH curve. The ramp will have temporary alternating lane restrictions overnight between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. as traffic is shifted. Once traffic is on the new pavement, contractors will rebuild the through lanes of I-65 southbound, which also pass under the Morris Street bridge.
Morris Street is one of seven overpasses near the I-65/I-70 South Split under which INDOT is lowering and reconstructing the pavement to reduce the frequency and severity of oversize vehicle collisions. Milestone Contractors is thus far adhering to the aggressive 59-day construction schedule in its bid.
Crews have lowered and stabilized a half mile of soil roadbed using cement slurry, on top of which a drainage layer was installed. This past weekend, large trucks began hauling in crushed stone that will serve as the base for successive pavement layers.
I-65 and I-70 remain closed between the north and south splits with the I-465 south leg serving as a detour for through traffic. Most ramps remain open into downtown Indianapolis, although large trucks are prohibited from the I-65 southbound and I-70 westbound ramp system that exits onto Michigan Street, Ohio Street and Fletcher Avenue.
Vermont Street is closed underneath I-65/I-70 through Tuesday, Oct. 1 for needed repairs to the overpass. Eastbound Vermont Street is detoured south over Davidson Street, New York Street and Pine Street. Westbound Vermont Street is detoured north over Pine Street, Michigan Street and Davidson Street.
Motorists may sign up for email updates by visiting www.SouthSplit.in.gov and clicking on the red GovDelivery envelope icon. Updates are also being provided on the Indiana Department of Transportation East Central Facebook page and on Twitter @INDOT_ECentral tagged with #SouthSplit.
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