OUR VISION
The I-65/I-70 reconstruction will reshape life and enterprise in Indianapolis for the next 50 years. With proper planning, the new Inner Loop will be a catalyst for inclusive economic growth and a magnet for job creation throughout the region.
We owe it to future generations to make the most of this opportunity. That’s why we’re recommending a recessed, open-air interstate, with some areas of capping, that will make room for additional inclusive economic development while improving connectivity and livability. Click the links below to see what we mean.
The Recessed Concept
The Rethink Coalition’s recessed concept for I-65/I-70 would transform our existing interstate into an innovative system that easily accommodates traffic while freeing up 83 acres of developable land, which could eventually generate more than $2 billion in economic development and at least $55 million a year in additional property tax revenue. It would also contribute to improved quality of life, environmental/public health, social equity and neighborhood connectivity.
Inner Loop Transformations
Northwest Gateway
Northwest Gateway’s North Leg
Southwest Gateway’s South Leg
The Benefits of Recessing
The Visionary Study compared rebuilding “as-is” versus rebuilding recessed, applying base and expanded criteria for interstate construction. The recessed concept wins in every category except construction complexity, and viable strategies exist to address this one short-fall.
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The recessed concepts supports Indianapolis as a regional transportation corridor and provides equal vehicular access to Downtown Indianapolis.
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*Increase mobility choices between neighborhoods along the corridor
*Promote safe active travel
*Break down physical and mental historical barriers
*Support potential transit in the future
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*Mitigate traffic and local environmental impacts on neighborhood streets
*Prioritize pedestrian safety and comfort levels adequate for neighborhood streets
*Create new green public spaces
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*Create urban design conditions supportive of complete communities development patterns (mixed-use, housing, local employment and active
frontage)
*Provide opportunities to experiment with innovative equitable development policy on new developments, such as affordable housing
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*Create conditions supportive of new development that can boost local economic development for Indianapolis
• Improve local access to neighboring employment centers and increasing employment density along the corridor
