Nightly Lane Closures on I-465 and Major Washington St. Detours This Wednesday
Mid-Week Commute Overview
Commuters across the Circle City should prepare for a mix of scheduled maintenance and long-term infrastructure projects impacting travel this Wednesday, February 18, 2026. While the morning rush is expected to remain largely free of major accidents, significant lane restrictions on I-465 and downtown corridor closures will require extra travel time, particularly for those moving through the north and south sides of the city.
I-465 Lane Restrictions and Bridge Work
Drivers on the north side of the city should take note of nightly lane closures starting tonight. Following the early reopening of the Township Line Road bridge, INDOT has scheduled final under-bridge work. On Wednesday, February 18, and Thursday, February 19, the two left lanes of westbound I-465 will be closed between U.S. 421 (Michigan Road) and Ditch Road from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
On the south side, daily maintenance continues to impact the westbound lanes of I-465 between U.S. 31 and Bluff Road. Crews are performing barrier wall improvements, which will require the left lane to be shut down from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This may result in minor backup during the early afternoon hours.
Clear Path 465 and Northeast Updates
The Clear Path 465 project remains over 80% complete, but localized demolition and finishing work continue. Overnight ramp closures are in effect at the I-69/I-465 interchange as crews dismantle the former bridge from southbound I-69 to southbound I-465 over Binford Boulevard. Additionally, motorists may encounter mobile striping operations on eastbound I-465 and a left lane closure on southbound I-69 just south of 82nd Street during the early morning hours.
Blue Line Construction and IndyGo Adjustments
The Washington Street corridor continues to see significant disruption due to Blue Line Bus Rapid Transit construction. Currently, Washington Street is restricted between Southeastern and State Avenues, with only one westbound lane open to maintain local access. On the west side, work on storm sewer lines has closed parts of Washington Street between Belmont Avenue and Harding Street through May.
For transit riders, a major update takes effect today. Starting Wednesday, February 18, the IndyGo Route 3 detour will shift to use White River Parkway and Michigan Street. This is part of the ongoing infrastructure upgrades in the area. Furthermore, Route 8 remains on a significant detour, and passengers are encouraged to check the real-time tracker for the most current stop information.
Downtown Road Closures
In the heart of downtown, Capitol Avenue remains fully closed for vehicular traffic between Washington and Maryland streets due to the Signia by Hilton and Convention Center expansion. Illinois Street is also closed from South Street to Georgia Street. Commuters should utilize West Street or Delaware Street as primary north-south alternatives until these projects conclude later this spring.