ULTIMATE INDIANAPOLIS INTERSTATES

How could the extensive Interstate system be improved upon. Here are some ideas to make improvements to the interstate system. Below is a map with ideas for routes for future interstates in the indy region.

Indy Ultimate Interstates
 Area Map
 Summary
 Interstate 69 extension
 Interstate 169 "Binford spur"
 Interstate 470 "Indy's outer loop"

Indianapolis could make several improvements to its interstate system. Indy had many freeways planned during the freeway boom. The most important of which is Interstate 465, which proves to be vital to transportation needs for central Indiana. However additional freeways were at one time proposed like a westwide freeway near West St in downtown, or the freeway along Binford Blvd that would have tied into downtowns north interchange. Below are just a few improvements that would benefit indy's traffic needs

Interstate 69 has long been planned and now it is closer to becoming a reality. Eventually coursing its way to the Texas/Mexico border. This interstate will be an important international trade corridor. In Indianapolis this highway Will be cosigned from its terminous at Castleton south along I-465 on the east and south. It then turns south along State Road 37 towards Bloomington. A new interchange will likely be constructed just west of the current SR-37 exit on the south side. The Interstate south of Indianapolis will mostly be constructed on or near the current SR-37 routing to Bloomington. Exit numbers and mileposting will need to be adjusted to reflect the new terminous at the Kentucky state line.

Binford Boulevard has long been an alternative route for commuters avoiding the longer travel times on other interstate highways. it is a more direct route from downtown to the northeast. However it has many at-grade intersections, and several of those are not signal controlled. Upgrading this section to freeway is a more logical approach to dealing with the traffic volumes using this highway. Since Binford Blvd is basically an extension of I-69 it should be numbered as Interstate 169 and should be upgraded to at least Keystone Ave. It would be better however to extend it to I 65 to provide better continuity to the interstate system.

"An indecent proposal". Governor Mitch Daniels proposed a new tollway corridor around the south and east sides of Indianapolis, from I-69 near Pendleton to I-70 near Plainfield. It was known as the Indiana Commerce Corridor. Preliminary plans were squelched however due to opposition in the communities of Shelbyville Franklin and Mooresville, who didn't see the need nor wanted a new highway built through their communities. The idea has since been shelved, however it may not be completely dead. If the need arises, it could be revived.

The map above shows a full circular routing of the highway as Interstate 470. It would be built entirely as a tolled road and would allow truck traffic to bypass Indianapolis proper while connecting cities farther outside of Indy providing a better connection for commerce. Hence the Governors naming of the proposed corridor.