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Public update meeting for INDOT's much-debated North Split plan

At Ivy Tech Monday evening
I-65 construction causing North Split concerns
Posted at 2:52 PM, Aug 03, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-03 14:53:02-04

INDIANAPOLIS — Plans to rebuild the I-65/70 North Split in Indianapolis continue to move forward.

Monday, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) holds two public meetings to show off its latest plans.

Both meetings are at Ivy Tech's Culinary and Conference Center, 2820 North Meridian Street. There will be presentations at 4:30 and 6 p.m. Face coverings are required for those who attend.

PREVIOUS: Neighborhood groups oppose North Split overhaul plan

The interchange opened in the mid 1970's and there's been a significant increase in the number of vehicles using it over the years. The North Split's sharp turns have been the source of frequent crashes—many by trucks.

But many residents of the Old North Side neighborhood that surrounds the interchange have opposed the state's $250 million upgrade project since it was first made public in 2017.

According to INDOT, Monday's hearings offer the public a chance to comment on the Environmental Assessment for the project. INDOT says the road work would "correct deteriorated bridge conditions, correct deteriorated pavement conditions, improve safety, and improve interchange operations and reduce congestion."

In 2018, the Historic Urban Neighborhoods of Indianapolis released a statement on the plans, urging INDOT to address the community issues and environmental concerns with the neighborhoods.

"The current plan is an archaic, 1960s-era model of transportation planning. The impact on downtown caused by the project’s widened bridges, added lanes and tall retaining walls will be devastating. The project will even further separate downtown from its adjoining districts and historic neighborhoods that had been so impacted by the original interstate configuration fifty years ago."

Additional information on the project cam be found on INDOT's website:
www.northsplit.com/ea [northsplit.com]