I-69 Finish Line Project Continues to Take Shape
Writer / Andi Robinson
Photography Provided
Everyone in the Center Grove area has been impacted in one way or another by the transformation of State Road 37 to Interstate 69. Whether they drive on that stretch of road or have had their travel impacted by road closures associated with the project, it has reached into every aspect of getting around.
The I-69 project is a massive undertaking to improve the interstate highway system in southern Indiana. The final stage of the expansion, called I-69 Finish Line, stretches 26 miles from Martinsville to Indianapolis. It includes reconstructing and expanding existing roads and interchanges, creating new access points, adding sound barriers and improving bridges. When work is complete, I-69 will run continuously from the Canadian border at Port Huron, Michigan, to Evansville. The Indiana portion is an important piece of the planned national corridor.
Improving Traffic Flow in Johnson County
One of the primary goals of the I-69 Finish Line project is to improve traffic flow and safety on the interstate between Indianapolis and Martinsville. In Johnson County, there are several areas where the project will have a significant impact.
The reconstruction of the interchanges at State Road 37, State Road 144, and County Line Road are major portions of the work in or near Johnson County. This section of the interstate is a vital link between Johnson, Morgan and Marion counties, and it experiences significant traffic congestion during peak hours. This will create new access points and improve traffic flow, reducing congestion and travel times for motorists.
According to Don Conner, public relations director for the Indiana Department of Transportation Southeast District, this project will improve safety in our area by eliminating conflict points along the roadway such as traffic signals, turn lanes, and commercial and private driveways. “Traffic will be free flow along the entire corridor, and a brand-new road to the west of I-69 provides additional access from State Road 144 all the way up to Wicker Road in Marion County,” Conner says. “This free flow and additional access is also available to police, fire and first responders, which in many cases reduces their response times.”
The project will also involve improvements to several other interchanges and bridges in Johnson County, further reducing congestion and improving motorists’ safety.
Creating Economic Opportunities in Johnson County
Much of this work has resulted from close coordination between the I-69 Finish Line project team, Johnson County and the Town of Bargersville. Many roadway design elements and all the aesthetic treatments are a direct result of working with local leaders.
According to Ron West, Johnson County commissioner for District 3, the county has created a TIF (tax increment financing) district for this area. The property taxes from the newly assessed value will provide the needed revenue for frontage roads, upgrades to internal roads to accommodate increased traffic flow, and future maintenance. The residents will also have access to new services provided by the commercial development and prime residential development east of the new frontage road.
West says adding frontage roads that run parallel to the highway “will allow for positive development along the I-69 corridor, both in commercial and residential. Also, the frontage road on the west side of I-69 will allow for ease of movement for farm equipment to service the agricultural areas to the west.”
While there have been preliminary discussions about economic improvements along the newly expanded interstate, information about possible development has yet to be made public. However, county leaders are being thoughtful about the types of developments they want to avoid at certain intersections, such as truck stops, that would cause negative impacts on the infrastructure and traffic flow.
Additional Projects in the Works
Completing the I-69 Finish Line portion in Johnson County will allow additional projects to begin that will improve safety and traffic flow, and bring economic benefits to the area. One of these is the widening of County Line Road. The state recently approved the funding for the South County Line Road Project, which will expand the stretch of County Line Road from I-69 to State Road 135 from the current two lanes to four lanes. It will also add walking paths, a continual middle turn lane and utility improvements. You can learn more about this project by visiting southcountylineroad.com.
In addition to the County Line Road expansion, Johnson County is also beginning work on widening Smith Valley Road. “These two improvements will greatly improve east-west traffic flow across the county and relieve some of the traffic on smaller internal roads,” West says. This project is tentatively slated to begin in 2027 or 2028.
Protecting the Environment
The I-69 Finish Line project is not just about improving traffic flow and creating new economic opportunities. It is also centered on protecting the environment. The project is being developed with a focus on minimizing the impact on the environment and preserving natural resources. This project’s final leg includes constructing or preserving over 30 acres of wetlands and 350 acres of trees, as well as over 14,000 linear feet of stream improvements.
The project addresses environmental concerns by implementing measures to protect and preserve water resources along the construction corridor. The project team is working with state and federal agencies to maintain water quality, and implement measures to minimize noise and disturbance throughout construction. There are several waterways in the Johnson County portion of the project.
Timeline and Funding
The I-69 Finish Line project began in 2020 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The $1.5 billion cost of the project is being funded by a combination of federal, state and local sources, and is overseen by the Indiana Department of Transportation.
In addition to the Johnson County portion of the project, this final leg of the I-69 extension in Indiana includes improving traffic flow and access roads in Martinsville, increasing the number of lanes on I-465 from I-70 to I-65, and rebuilding the intersection of I-69 and I-465 one mile west of where it currently connects. The project is expected to generate $4.1 billion in positive regional economic impact over 20 years.
You can follow @I69FinishLine on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or subscribe to text and email updates at i69finishline.com. Maps, videos, photos and a 2023 I-69 construction guide are all available on the project website.
I-69 Finish Line Project Statistics:
- 26 new miles of highway constructed
- 39 new bridges
- 35 bridges rehabilitated or replaced
- 14 traffic signals will be removed
- Three million square yards of pavement
- Nearly three million pickup truck loads of dirt and stone excavated
