Remarks on progress and what’s to come preceded ceremonial tree planting on site of future “urban forest”
INDOT recently celebrated the recent reopening of the North Split interchange. State, city and neighborhood representatives gathered near the project site off Lewis Street to plant ceremonial trees on the site of the future “urban forest.”
“We have been sure of the mission from the beginning – to create a safer, more free-flowing interchange through the heart of Downtown Indianapolis,” commented Commissioner Smith. “We are planting trees today to symbolize the North Split not only as an extensive infrastructure improvement project, but also as a community involvement project that affirms our commitment to leaving the project area better than we found it.”
The North Split’s $320 million reconstruction provides safer, more free-flowing travel for the more than 220,000 motorists who use the state’s second busiest interchange each day. The redesigned interchange improves safety by eliminating weaving and merging, leading to better traffic flow.
INDOT began a phased reopening of the interchange in December with the mainline portion, including I-65 NB and SB, opening to motorists on May 1. With the new movements, motorists are now able to travel along I-65 through the North Split interchange from both directions. The Meridian/Pennsylvania exit ramp from I-65 NB and access to the C/D from Michigan to Fletcher and the South Split are anticipated to reopen by Monday, May 15. The Ohio Street ramp is anticipated to be open by the end of May.
INDOT will continue to work on local streets, including paving and sidewalk improvements through the summer. Crews will also work throughout 2023 to install plantings and complete other aesthetic improvements.