In the 2000 and 2001 construction seasons INDOT implemented a Design/Build project to completely reconstruct and widen I-65 from just south of 38th St. to I-465 on the North Side. This project replaced the severely degraded pavement with a new full depth asphalt roadway. The grass median was filled with a new third lane in each direction, full paved left shoulders, and a concrete barrier median wall. Some interchange improvements at 38th St., Lafayette Rd., and I-465 were implemented as well. For example, an extra auxiliary lane was added on 38th street through the I-65 collector/distributor section. All bridges within the project limits were replaced or rehabilitated and widened.
This section of roadway currently suffers no congestion and probably had some spare capacity even at four lanes. Nevertheless, traffic is increasing and the pavement was in dire need of replacement. A decision was made to proceed with widening at the same time as the pavement replacement project.
This project was done as one of INDOT's pilot Design/Build projects, which is why it was on the fast track to construction. The cost was approximately $88 million.
The inbound lanes were reconstructed in 2000. In 2001 the outbound lanes were reconstructed, completing the project.
The contractor for this project is Walsh Construction of Chicago, which also won the work for design-build projects on I-65 in Lake County, and the I-465/I-70 East interchange reconstruction in Indianapolis. Because these projects are so large, no Indiana contractors were capable of bidding on them, which has caused some political concerns. However, all of these projects are so beneficial to the public that I suspect INDOT will continue going the large design-build route where ever possible.
Last Update: March 2002
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