Clear Path Restrictions and Washington Street Closures Impact Sunday Commute

Morning Traffic Overview

Travelers across Indianapolis should prepare for several ongoing infrastructure projects and recent transit adjustments this Sunday, February 22, 2026. While Sunday morning traffic typically remains light, significant long-term closures on the northeast side and downtown corridor require careful navigation. Residents are encouraged to check their routes early, as multiple detours are now in full effect due to the advancement of the Blue Line and Clear Path 465 projects.

Major Interstate Restrictions

The Clear Path 465 project on the northeast side continues to be the most significant factor for highway commuters. Although an overnight right-lane closure on eastbound I-465 for barrier work was scheduled to conclude at 6:00 a.m. this morning, lingering work zones remain between the White River and Fall Creek. Drivers should be aware of the following long-term restrictions:

• The ramp from 56th Street to northbound I-465 remains closed for reconstruction.
• The ramp from Allisonville Road to eastbound I-465 is currently inaccessible as crews work on new bridge structures.
• The ramp from northbound Binford Boulevard to westbound I-465 is also closed.

On the north side, the "Level Up 31" project continues to impact the I-465 and US 31 interchange. The southbound US 31 ramp to 106th Street is closed through the spring, and a strictly enforced 45 MPH speed limit is in place throughout the two-mile construction zone. Additionally, in the South Split, the northbound I-65 ramp to westbound I-70 remains reduced to a single lane.

Downtown and Local Surface Streets

Surface street travel in downtown Indianapolis is heavily impacted by Blue Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) construction. As of earlier this month, Washington Street is closed to through traffic between Southeastern and State avenues. Local detours are utilizing Southeastern Avenue and State Avenue to bypass the work zone. West of downtown, a significant detour shift for Route 8 and local traffic began on February 18. Washington Street is now closed between Belmont Avenue and Harding Street, with traffic redirected via North White River Parkway and Michigan Street.

IndyGo and Public Transit Alerts

Public transit riders should note several major updates that went into effect this month. Most notably, Route 26 (Keystone-Crossing) has officially moved to 30-minute frequency on Sundays, a significant improvement from its previous 75-minute schedule. Other transit notes include:

• Minor timing adjustments are active for the Red Line (Route 90) and the Purple Line (Route 92) to improve on-time performance during the current construction season.
• Route 8 is operating on a modified daily schedule and utilizing extensive detours on both the east and west sides of the city.
• Riders are reminded that the 2026 fare increase is now in effect, with a basic one-way fare set at $2.75.

Commuters are advised to utilize real-time tracking apps for the latest bus arrival times and to allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes when traveling through the I-465/I-69 interchange area.