Pence Announces Plan to Widen I-65 in Lake County
The bridge will be closed until late fall.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowGovernor Mike Pence announced plans Tuesday to widen Interstate 65 in Lake County to three lanes in each direction from Merrillville south to at least State Road 2 near Lowell. The $70 million project is part of Pence’s Major Moves 2020 highway program.
Funding for the project will come from the Major Moves 2020 program which was increased by $200 million in the most recent two-year state budget. The Indiana Department of Transportation will seek approval from the State Budget Committee on December 17 to use the funds and publish an initial request for contractor and designer qualifications.
“As Governor, I’ve set out to ensure that Indiana remains the Crossroads of America, and today’s announcement to expand Interstate 65 is another positive step in our efforts to ensure that our transportation infrastructure can support the economic and employment growth our state has seen over the last decade,” said Governor Pence. “Hoosiers can rest assured that my administration will continue to prioritize our roads and bridges in a responsible and aggressive manner.”
Tuesday’s announcement is the latest in Major Moves 2020 projects. In October, new I-65 lanes were opened between Southport and Greenwood while construction continues on a nine-mile stretch of I-65 between Greenwood and Franklin. Construction is also underway on a seven-mile stretch of I-65 near Lafayette and another seven miles of I-65 in Clark County.
Governor Pence announced in October his $1 billion 21st Century Crossroads proposal. Democrats in the Indiana General Assembly have called for $2 billion in total spending.