Icy Road Hazards and I-465 Ramp Shifts Highlight Thursday Commute

Navigating the Freeze: Thursday Morning Traffic Overview

Commuters heading out this Thursday, January 29, 2026, are advised to exercise extreme caution as bitter temperatures and residual road hazards impact the greater Indianapolis area. Following the extreme cold that swept through Central Indiana earlier this week, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and local authorities are monitoring for refreezing on elevated surfaces and bridges. While major arteries remain open, the combination of winter weather and active construction zones is creating localized delays across the city.

Major Construction and Clear Path 465 Updates

The Clear Path 465 project remains a primary factor for those traveling through the northeast side. Drivers should be aware that the new ramp configurations at the I-69 and I-465 interchange, which were finalized earlier this month, are still seeing heavy volume as traffic adjusts to the new southbound I-69 to southbound I-465 bridge. Additionally, a width limit of 12 feet remains in effect for the ramp from eastbound I-465 to Binford Boulevard until tomorrow morning. Motorists are encouraged to maintain a steady speed and avoid sudden lane changes in these narrowed corridors.

On the southeast side, the I-65 Safety and Efficiency project continues between the I-465 interchange and the I-65/I-70 overpass. While two lanes remain open in each direction, travelers should expect congestion near Fletcher Avenue where pavement replacement and bridge removal activities are currently focused. Restricted shoulder space in this five-mile corridor increases the risk of backup during peak hours.

Local Roadworks and Bridge Alerts

• 18th Street Closure: A full closure of 18th Street remains in place today for infrastructure work. This closure is expected to last through the end of the week, causing detours for local neighborhood traffic.
• 30th Street Bridge: The ongoing rehabilitation of the 30th Street bridge over the White River continues to restrict movement. Commuters are advised to use 16th Street or 38th Street as primary alternatives.
• Washington Street: Work near Little Eagle Creek is nearing completion, but intermittent lane restrictions may still occur as crews finalize bridge foundations.

IndyGo Transit Advisories

Public transit riders should plan for potential delays as IndyGo continues to recover from the recent extreme cold. The Route 90 (Red Line) remains on a significant detour near Fountain Square due to infrastructure work, resulting in the temporary closure of the Pleasant Run and Raymond Street stations. Riders on Routes 90 and 92 are also affected by the 18th Street closure, which has temporarily shuttered the IU Health Station. As a reminder, the new base fare of $2.75 for all fixed routes went into effect on January 1, and riders are encouraged to use the MyKey app for daily fare capping.