Severe Storms and Major Washington Street Closures Impact Wednesday Commute

Morning Commute Overview

Commuters in Indianapolis should prepare for a challenging drive this Wednesday, March 11, 2026. A Weather Impact Alert is currently in effect due to forecasted severe storms moving through the region. With heavy rain expected to reduce visibility and create slick conditions on major arteries, drivers are urged to allow at least 15 to 20 extra minutes for their morning routes. High-profile vehicles should exercise caution on I-465 and I-65 due to potential high wind gusts.

Major Construction and Road Closures

The IndyGo Blue Line project continues to be a primary source of disruption for east-west travel. Several segments of Washington Street are currently closed to through traffic:

• West Washington Street: The stretch between Belmont Avenue and Harding Street remains closed for storm sewer installation. One eastbound lane is being maintained for local business access, but through traffic is being detoured via Michigan Street and North White River Parkway.
• East Washington Street: A full closure is in effect between Southeastern and State avenues. This work, which began in February, is expected to last through May. Drivers are encouraged to use English Avenue or Brookside Avenue as alternates.
• I-465 Northeast (Clear Path 465): While the project is over 80% complete, intermittent lane restrictions continue at the I-69/I-465 interchange. Long-term ramp closures remain at 56th Street to northbound I-465 and Allisonville Road to eastbound I-465.

Downtown and Convention Center Detours

Navigating the downtown core requires patience today as the Indiana Convention Center expansion and Signia by Hilton project reach a critical phase. Capitol Avenue is closed to all vehicular traffic between Georgia and Maryland streets and is expected to remain closed through the end of the month. Additionally, Illinois Street is restricted from South Street to Georgia Street. Commuters should utilize West Street or Delaware Street to bypass the central closure zone.

Public Transit and IndyGo Alerts

IndyGo riders should check the latest real-time tracking for the following route changes:

• Route 8 (Washington): Active detours are in place for both the eastern and western construction zones. Expect temporary stops near Washington and Harding.
• Route 26 (Keystone): A new detour began this week on Prospect Street near Fountain Square. All stops along Prospect from State Street to Virginia Avenue are currently closed.
• Red Line (Route 90): Detours persist near Fountain Square, with the line utilizing Raymond Street. The Raymond Street, Fountain Square, and Pleasant Run stations remain closed until further notice.

Evening Traffic Notice

INDOT is hosting a public information meeting tonight at 6 p.m. regarding the 2026 construction of Modern Rockville Road (U.S. 36). The meeting will detail upcoming lane additions between Raceway Road and Transfer Drive, which are slated to begin later this month. Commuters in the area should expect increased traffic near the meeting venue as the evening rush concludes.