OUR VISION
A reconstructed, reimagined
I-65/I-70 that reshapes
life, health, and economic growth
in central Indiana
for the next 50 years.
We recommend a:
recessed, open-air interstate
with some areas of capping.
This will make room for additional economic development
while improving connectivity and livability.
The recessed concept
Today, the I-65/I-70 interstates occupy an excessive amount of land, leaving behind large areas of underused space around downtown.
Our vision is to reduce the interstate footprint, reconnect the city streets across the interstates, and make better use of the existing right-of-way to spark urban renewal and economic growth — all while enhancing traffic efficiency.
Inner Loop Transformations
Northwest Gateway
Northwest Gateway’s North Leg
Southwest Gateway’s South Leg
Benefits of the recessed concept
Recessing the interstate means
we all win.
Moves traffic just as well
The Visionary Study revealed we can meet capacity requirements, allow for similar traffic volumes, and handle congestion during peak periods. Miles traveled would be about the same, either way.
Frees up developable land
Recessing frees up 83 acres of developable land, stimulating economic growth throughout the region.
Keeps Indiana competitive
Other cities are seizing opportunities to reimagine their urban interstates and improve the quality of place. Indianapolis and the State can’t afford to fall behind.
Reconnects neighborhoods
A reduced urban footprint helps reconnect neighborhoods divided by the existing elevated interstates—enhancing quality of life, improving access to parks, and creating opportunities for wealth generation through real estate development.
Improves safety
Not only does it enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety—the recessed design also reduces the number of decision points for drivers while providing more time to react at critical moments.
Real revenues gained
Recessing will unleash $2+ billion in economic development potential—plus generate $55 million per year in additional property tax revenue.
Better for the environment
The recessed design will help lower interstate noise and expand green spaces to improve air quality. It will also provide additional room for sidewalks and bike paths.
Pays for itself
Recessing the interstates essentially pays for itself. Additional construction costs can largely be offset with revenue generated from new land development and value capture strategies.
Read our Visionary Study for details.
We conducted, what we refer to as, our Visionary Study—which compared rebuilding “as-is” vs. rebuilding recessed, applying base and expanded criteria for interstate construction.
Except for construction complexity, the recessed concept wins in every category.
And viable strategies exist to address the complexity issue.