Residents, Businesses Voice Concern About 'Super 70' Project

INDIANAPOLIS -- Some residents and business owners on Indianapolis' east side expressed anger Tuesday over what they expect will be lost revenue and lost patience during a planned construction project on Interstate 70.

"Super 70" work is expected to take nine months between the north split with Interstate 65 to the east leg of Interstate 465.

The Indiana Department of Transportation said it will have to shut down the Keystone, Rural, Emerson and Shadeland exits to create a safe working area for crews.

People gathered into the Arlington Heights Baptist Church Tuesday night to hear details about the construction and air their complaints, 6News' Ray Cortopassi reported.

The East Side Community Organization put together the event, which marked the first time INDOT and the job consultant got some public feedback.

"Cutting us off like this -- three intersections. You wouldn't do that to Allisonville, Keystone or 31. There's no way," said resident Mike Hennesey.

Access concerns were the primary concern of people at the meeting.

"You lose a good percentage of customers, because they're not going to come if it's a hassle," said Bob Fulton of Family Auto.

Other concerns include the condition of surface streets that will get much more traffic as alternate routes.

"Part of that million dollars, we did do many resurface projects, small resurface projects," said Greg Kicinski of INDOT.

Officials said the ramps would be available for emergency vehicle use in most situations.

INDOT officials stressed that the Keystone and Emerson exits, not entrance ramps, will reopen in the second phase of the project in July. Work starts in three months.