INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is encouraging public feedback on the latest phase of ProPEL Indy, a planning and environment linkages (PEL) study focused on the future of I-65 and I-70 inside the I-465 loop.
The study team has released its Draft Alternatives Identification and Screening Report, which outlines a range of potential improvements to address aging infrastructure, safety, mobility, and multimodal connectivity on the interstates. A short video summary of the report is available here.
“The identification of potential solutions represents a key milestone in the study process,” INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist said. “From basic reconstruction to transformative redesigns, each option has been carefully evaluated for its ability to meet transportation needs while considering environmental impacts, costs, and community goals.”
Over the past two years, ProPEL Indy has engaged central Indiana residents, commuters, neighborhoods, and businesses to gather input on the future of Indianapolis’ interstates. That feedback, along with data analysis by the study team, informed the development of multiple location-specific alternatives for each of the study’s spokes.
Alternatives that meet the study’s purpose and need and are considered potentially reasonable will be carried forward for further analysis. Those with limited benefits or disproportionate impacts have been eliminated from consideration and likely do not warrant evaluation as part of any future studies.
The report also introduces neighborhood and connectivity planning principles to guide future interstate projects toward better integration with surrounding communities. These principles emphasize safer and more accessible walking, biking, and connections across and near the interstates.
“Improving connectivity is a key theme we’ve heard throughout our engagement with the public,” INDOT Project Manager Sandra Flum said. “This shows how feedback from those who use, work, or live near the interstates have helped shape this study.”
ProPEL Indy will host information meetings, known as Community Conversations, for the public to engage with the study team during the comment period. A list of these events can be found here.
The full report and supporting documents can be found at ProPELIndy.com. INDOT invites public feedback through Sunday, October 5. Comments may be submitted on the study website, in-person at public meetings, by phone, and via mail.
ProPEL Indy is expected to conclude in late 2025 with the publication of the PEL Study Report, which will include a range of reasonable alternatives for INDOT to consider for development of future projects. Alternatives carried forward from the study will require further analysis to determine if they are reasonable solutions to the area’s transportation needs. Multiple factors, including the urgency of identified needs, statewide priorities, and funding availability, will be considered when identifying future projects in the study area.
INDOT encourages the public to continue sharing input throughout the study at ProPELIndy.com.
Stay up to date with study progress by following ProPEL Indy on social media.