The Indiana Department of Transportation announces work begins this week on I-65 near Whitestown Parkway Exit 133. The I-65 southbound left lane will be closed beginning tonight, weather permitting for the contractor to place barrier wall. The work includes adding approximately three quarters of one mile of new pavement near the I-65 and I-865 interchange. This is for minor ramp improvements for the existing northbound I-65 exit ramp to Whitestown Parkway and the existing southbound I-65 exit ramp to I-865.
This contract was awarded to E & B Paving for $62.8 million. The project includes building a new interchange on I-65 at Boone County Road 550 South and redesigning the I-65 and S.R. 267 interchange. Both will be Diverging Diamond Interchanges, (DDI). The contract completion date is set for August of 2022.
A DDI is a type of interchange in which the two directions of traffic on a non-highway road cross to the opposite side on both sides of a bridge. It is unusual in that it requires traffic on the highway overpass to briefly drive on the opposite side of the road from what is customary.
When entering the DDI drivers cross over to the left side of the bridge, guided by signals, signs and pavement markings. DDIs are designed to be safer, more efficient and more cost effective than traditional diamond interchanges.
INDOT reminds motorists to use caution and consider worker safety when driving through a construction zone.