Written in collaboration with Avory Smith

Our Milestone teams have been moving full steam ahead on the sixth and final section of the I-69 Finish Line project, which establishes a direct connection between Evansville and Indianapolis. The largest and final section includes improvements and added space to I-465 on the southwest side of Indianapolis, stretching from I-70 to I-65. This project is the result of 75 years of studies and discussion coming to fruition and will improve travel, safety and bring its own set of economic benefits. 

“Wherever you put interstates, business will come,” says Project Manager Mitch Parmerlee. It is expected that the I-69 project will be responsible for up to $4.1 billion in economic growth over the next 20 years. This is due to new easy access on and off the interstate that creates essential infrastructure for businesses to transport goods and a more efficient connection between north and south Indiana than ever before. With the work finished, I-69 runs from the Canadian border in Port Huron, Michigan, to Evansville, Indiana.  

With I-69’s newest section opening to traffic on the night of August 6^th, 2024, it is expected to shorten the average travel time from Martinsville to Indianapolis by 11 minutes. Widened highways, new local roads and entrance and exit ramps improve accessibility, contributing to more efficient travel. This section has also eliminated 14 traffic signals, improving both travel efficiency and safety. Before I-69, more road was required in smaller areas, but now with a more straightforward route, roads can be spread out reducing accident-causing congestion. 

Milestone began work on section six in the spring of 2021, and we are extremely proud of how far our team’s dedication and quality of work have brought us. “Just to see how far it’s come, it’s really quite incredible,” Parmerlee says. Through our focus on safety above all else, and continuing to bet on our people, we couldn’t be more excited that we’ve made it to the I-69 finish line.  

Special guests joining us to celebrate the Connection of the Crossroads Event include current Governor Eric Holcomb, 49^th Governor Mitch Daniels, 48^th Vice President Mike Pence and INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith.  

Over half a century in the making, Governor Holcomb is proud to see the day we crossed the finish line. “Today we prove that no project is too big” said Govenor Holcomb.  

On stage, each took a turn to speak about the project. There was no shortage of appreciation for the men and women who worked to build the roads and bridges that will improve the lives of Hoosiers who reside in state or travel through. 

“The transformation that has occurred along the I-69 Finish Line corridor over the past four to five years has been amazing to witness,” said INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith. “I cannot overstate the gratitude I have for the thousands of men and women in our industry who have worked countless hours to bring the nation’s newest interstate to fruition.” 

The I-69 southbound ramps will open this evening, August 6^th, followed by I-69 northbound ramps to and from I-465 eastbound and westbound on or after Friday, August 9^th. To learn more about the project, visit I-69 Finish Line Website.