INDIANAPOLIS -- The state plans to spend $567 million to help unclog a congested stretch of highway on Indianapolis' northeast side.

The project would target the spot where Interstate 465 and Interstate 69 merge, an area of regular backups, 6News' Derrik Thomas reported.

"In the evening, the choke point is that eastbound-to-northbound ramp that's currently one lane," said Indiana Department of Transportation spokesman Will Wingfield. "That would be replaced with a three-lane flyover ramp that wouldn't require you to slow down to 25 mph and, obviously, be able to carry more traffic."

Some neighborhood groups, such as Binford Redevelopment and Growth, said they're worried that the progress might have some negative consequences for their area.

"During construction, how is it going to impact the BRAG area in terms of construction traffic? No. 2, they are taking some properties and impacting some businesses along the way," said organization vice president Larry Riggle.

The proposed fix would also include 10 lanes on I-465 and 14 lanes on I-69. Planners said the reconfiguration is designed to accommodate traffic in the year 2031.

Construction would not begin on the eight-mile project until 2012.

Some property owners said at a meeting Wednesday night that they aren't happy with the plan.

"It wasn't too difficult when you thought eventually it would be prime property," said resident Sandy Carrow. "I don't think it's going to be prime property now."

Some expressed concern that the project will make it too difficult for people to get to their businesses.

"It will literally cut our business in half or worse," said John Widboon, of Flymasters of Indianapolis. "Retail sales will die. The businesses on that side are possibly in jeopardy."

More Information: INDOT Project Details