Indianapolis, IN – Delays are expected in certain parts of the United States over the next few weeks as Governors in states under stay-at-home orders accelerate infrastructure construction projects.

On Monday, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) would begin accelerating multiple projects.

As a result, INDOT will close a stretch of Interstate 70 Eastbound and Westbound for approximately 30 days.

I-70 EB will close from the North Split to I-465 on April 13.

All lanes and ramps will be closed for 30 days, scheduled to reopen on May 13.

I-70 WB from I-465 to the North Split will close on April 23.

All lanes and ramps will be closed for 30 days, scheduled to reopen on May 23.

INDOT reports the traffic count data shows a nearly 40 percent decrease, on average, across the area compared to the week before the stay-at-home order went into effect.

INDOT provided detour information to help you plan your trip.

• From the airport to I-70 EB: Take I-70 EB to I-465 SB to I-70 EB.
• From Downtown Indianapolis to I-70 EB: Take I-65 SB to I-465 EB to I-70 EB.
• From I-70 WB to Downtown Indianapolis: Take I-465 SB to I-65 NB to Downtown Indianapolis.
• From I-70 WB to the airport: Take I-465 SB to I-70 WB on the Southwest side.

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In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis said last week that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is also accelerating critical infrastructure projects, which are valued at $2.1 billion.

Following an initial review of all pending construction projects, FDOT identified the following projects to be accelerated:

• The $864M Howard Frankland Bridge project in the Tampa Bay area will be accelerated by nearly 4 weeks.
• The widening of Southern Boulevard (SR 80) in western Palm Beach County will be accelerated by nearly 3 months.
• In Miami-Dade, the I-395/SR 836/I-95 Design Build Project is an $802 million reconstruction project being done in coordination with the local expressway authority that will be accelerated by 4 weeks.
• The project at Sand Lake Road (SR 482)near the heavy tourist area of International Drive and Universal Boulevard in Orlando will be accelerated by 4 to 6 weeks.

Despite similar decreases in traffic volume, FDOT expects delays and reminded motorists to be prepared to slow down and stop in construction zones.

Infrastructure Funding Deal in Phase 4?

Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, Congress is debating both the timing and scale of a fourth stimulus and relief package which will likely include infrastructure funding.

In a White House Coronavirus Task Force press briefing on April 3, President Trump called for an up to $2 trillion bi-partisan infrastructure spending package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many trucking stakeholders who have long advocated for increases to infrastructure funding are expressing optimism the COVID-19 outbreak could spur U.S. lawmakers to action on the issue.

TNN will continue to follow new developments.

Photo courtesy of INDOT

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