More changes ahead for I-465 interchange at U.S. 31 on north side

By DANIELLE ZULKOSKY
WISH-TV | wishtv.com

Indiana Department of Transportation is asking for the public to share opinions on the Level Up 31 project as plans come together to redesign the Interstate 465 and U.S. 31 interchange again.

The goal is to improve the safety and the usability of the interchange on the border of Carmel and Indianapolis as the population surges in the area. INDOT said more than 104,000 cars travel on U.S. 31 in both directions daily.

INDOT said the final design and environmental impact approval is set for this spring. Construction would then start in summer or fall of this year. The project would wrap up in late 2027.

Many people at a Tuesday night gathering at a Carmel hotel were happy to see an improvement for the interchange on the horizon, but concerns were raised about the usability during the project, and the volume of changes happening in the area.

Elizabeth Weber is a Carmel resident who uses the area around the interchange primarily as a pedestrian but also as a driver.

“I think the plans are good,” Weber said. “I’m not real excited about the stoplight. As a Carmel person, I am very much used to roundabouts and free-flowing.”

Weber is a runner. She said pedestrian features are fairly good in this area, and she wants to keep it that way.

“I’m concerned with the closures and the detours as I plan for my races and my training,” she said.

INDOT representatives showed people at the meeting how traffic from I-465 to U.S. 31 will be more efficient with the changes.

Phase 1 includes a closure of westbound and eastbound I-465 ramps to southbound Meridian Street for up to 30 days. There will also be a 30-day closure on southbound U.S. 31 to the 106th Street ramp and a 60-day closure on eastbound 106th Street at U.S 31.

Level Up 31 displays were shared Tuesday night. INDOT has additional documents on the Level Up 31 website.

Natalie Garrett is the strategic communications director for INDOT.

“The majority of the work is widening of the ramps there at 465 and 31, with some improvements on 31 southbound and some modifications at nearby 106th Street,” Garrett said.

The project will be completed over five phases.

Some people told News 8 off-camera that too many projects happening in the area, and the INDOT project is happening without consideration to the traffic issues the projects cause.

Garrett said construction is expected to begin this summer or fall and continue through 2027, with the majority of traffic impacts in 2025 and 2026. This interchange was recently redone but, designers determined, population growth caused changes to be necessary again.

“There was unprecedented growth in the area: increased population, higher traffic volumes,” Garrett said. “So, this project, the goal is to combat that and provide a safer smoother commute.”

INDOT continues to accept feedback through its customer service channels for this project.

This story was originally published by WISH-TV at wishtv.com/news/local-news/indy-465-us-31-interchange-redesign-2025.