Frequently Asked Questions
Revive I-70 is an Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) project to improve I-70 in Wayne County from west of Cambridge City to the Indiana/Ohio state line. The Project Team is currently studying the 20+ mile corridor and identifying potential improvements.
The Project Team is evaluating needs and identifying possible solutions. The project is expected to include added travel lanes, interchange improvements, bridge improvements, pavement replacement and the replacement of drainage structures.
Because of the size of the corridor and scope of improvements, the project will be divided into three contracts for delivery. Contract 1 will include the eastern portion of the project area and extend from west of US 35 to the Ohio state line. The corridor is about eight miles long.
The contract is expected to let in early 2024 with construction expected to begin by late 2024.
Contract 2 will include the western portion of the project area and extend from west of SR 1 to west of Centerville. The corridor is nearly nine miles long. Contract 2 is expected to let in fall 2024.
Contract 3 will extend from west of Centerville to US 35. The corridor is nearly four miles long.
Contract 3 is expected to let in 2026 or 2027.
Improvements for Contract 1 are expected to include added travel lanes and pavement replacement. Specific improvements are being identified for Contracts 2 and 3.
Specific improvements are being identified. I-70 is currently four lanes, two in each direction. Additional capacity would include a third lane in each direction for a total of six travel lanes. Any widening work would happen inside existing lanes utilizing the grass median.
Significant changes are being identified for the I-70 and US 40 interchange and the I-70 and US 35 interchange to improve safety and mobility.
Improvements are expected for the 41 bridges in the I-70 project area, including widening 36 bridges carrying I-70 traffic. Additional bridge improvements for the corridor are expected to include six bridge replacements, 15 major rehabilitations, 14 deck overlays and preventive maintenance for six bridges.
In addition to possible new travel lanes, bridge improvements and pavement replacement, the project is expected to rehabilitate and replace culverts along the corridor and improve the stormwater drainage system. Lighting, signage, guardrails and barriers are expected to be updated.
Improving traffic flow, especially during peak travel times, is expected to reduce crashes along the corridor including rear-end crashes and crashes caused by improper lane changes and failing to yield. Improvements at two key interchanges are also expected to improve safety.
Two interchanges (US 40 and US 35) are being updated to improve traffic flow and safety. Anticipated barriers will be placed and replaced in the median to reduce or eliminate crossover accidents. Pavement maintenance and replacement will improve roadway and bridge conditions, minimizing the need for future repairs.
Improving traffic flow is expected to make travel more efficient for motorists using the interstate, including the large number of trucks that use the corridor. The Project Team is also evaluating interchange modifications that will improve mobility for drivers. Improved efficiency will help meet INDOT’s goal of improving the movement of people and goods and strengthening regional connectivity.
Most of the anticipated work will occur in the existing right-of-way (ROW). However, some additional strips of ROW may be required. Only .06 acre of right-of-way is anticipated for the project. ROW is still being evaluated, but relocations are not anticipated.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2024. Duration will depend on project development, construction phasing and future funding.
All three contracts are expected to be design-build contracts. A design-build construction contract allows the final design and construction phases of a project to overlap, which can accelerate the project timeline.
Revive I-70 is currently in the environmental analysis and preliminary design stage with specific improvements being identified. Throughout project development, the Project Team is coordinating with local, state and federal officials.
The Project Team is performing a noise study to evaluate the impact of any additional travel lanes and the need for noise abatement measures. Measures identified as reasonable and feasible under INDOT’s Noise Policy may be included in the project’s construction plans. Added noise barriers could impact needed right-of-way for the project.
The Project Team is developing maintenance of traffic plans to move traffic through the area during construction. This includes coordination with first responders, local school districts and community leaders. During construction, I-70 is expected to remain open to two lanes of traffic in each direction during peak travel times. Temporary closures may be needed for some interchange modifications.
Interested parties can subscribe to email updates on the project website, ReviveI70, or text “INDOT Revive I70” to 468311 for text message updates. For social media updates, follow Revive I-70 on Facebook and Twitter.
INDOT is the owner of the project and Parsons Corp. is the lead project development and design firm. To connect with the Project Team, reference the Revive I-70 project when visiting www.indot4u.com or calling INDOT at 855-INDOT4U (855-463-6848).
