SEYMOUR, Ind. — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Tuesday morning to mark the official opening of the $143 million added travel lanes project on I-65 in Jackson and Bartholomew Counties. Construction began in the spring of 2018 and is now substantially complete.
The long-term project has expanded I-65 to three lanes in each direction between U.S. 50 and S.R. 58, and also included rehabilitation and widening of multiple bridges. Reconstruction work will continue at the State Road interchange (Exit 55) under the same contract and is expected to reopen to traffic in late November, weather permitting.
“This is one of the first more major projects that I’ve seen through from start to finish since becoming Commissioner in 2017,” said INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness. “Having three travel lanes in each direction will greatly improve safety and mobility along this stretch of road. Truck traffic is close to 30 percent of daily traffic here and is expected to increase significantly in the next 20 years.”
The contract including the next section of added travel lanes on I-65 (State Road 58 to State Road 46 in Columbus) is expected to let later this fall, with construction beginning in the spring.
For more on this story, see Wednesday’s Republic.
