Overnight Lane Restrictions on I-465 and Major Downtown Closures This Thursday

Morning Commute Overview

Good morning, Indianapolis. As we head into the final days of February 2026, commuters should prepare for a mix of long-term infrastructure projects and specific overnight restrictions that may affect the Thursday morning rush. While many of the most significant lane reductions are scheduled for the late evening hours, several key arteries remain restricted due to the ongoing expansion of our downtown core and the final phases of the Clear Path 465 project.

Major Highway and Interchange Alerts

Drivers on the north side should pay close attention to the Level Up 31 interchange project. For Thursday, February 26, crews have scheduled lane reductions on Meridian Street both northbound and southbound between 96th Street and 103rd Street. While short stoppages are primarily planned for the 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. window, the left lane of westbound I-465 near the U.S. 31 interchange remains a high-congestion zone. Additionally, U.S. 31 southbound from Main Street to 106th Street will see lane restrictions starting early this evening for pavement marking.

On the northeast side, the Clear Path 465 project is now 80% complete, but demolition work continues on the former bridge from southbound I-69 to southbound I-465 over Binford Boulevard. Commuters should expect intermittent lane and ramp restrictions throughout the day. At the South Split, the I-65 northbound ramp to westbound I-70 remains reduced to a single lane, a restriction expected to persist through the end of the year.

Downtown Road Closures

Downtown navigation remains complex due to the Signia by Hilton and Indiana Convention Center expansion. Capitol Avenue is currently closed to all vehicular traffic and will remain so through the end of March. Similarly, Illinois Street is closed from South Street to Georgia Street. Those who typically use Georgia Street should note that the stretch between Capitol Avenue and Illinois Street is closed to both vehicles and pedestrians as the city works toward a spring 2026 redevelopment deadline.

IndyGo and Public Transit Updates

Public transit riders should be aware of several recent service adjustments. As of earlier this month, Route 26 now operates with increased frequency, running every 30 minutes, seven days a week. However, construction for the future Blue Line continues to impact Route 8 along Washington Street, necessitating a new daily schedule and detours via White River Parkway. Additional detours are currently in effect for Route 3 and the Red Line (Route 90) near Fountain Square. Riders are encouraged to check the latest real-time tracking via the IndyGo app before heading to their stops.

Commuter Advice

• Plan for an extra 10-15 minutes if traveling through the I-465/U.S. 31 interchange this evening.
• Use West Street or Delaware Street as primary north-south alternatives to the closed sections of Capitol Avenue.
• Verify your IndyGo route timing, as minor adjustments were implemented across several lines earlier this month to account for construction-related delays.