Road No. 3: I-69 Finish Line Reaches Its Destination

For more than half a century, the idea of a high-capacity, multilane highway linking Evansville to Indianapolis existed mostly on paper. Multiple studies, proposals and decades of discussion shaped what would eventually become one of the most transformative transportation corridors in Indiana. 

The Interstate-69 Finish Line project represents the culmination of that vision, and its northernmost segment, Contract 5, serves as a fitting finale. Covering the final five miles of the 26-mile Finish Line corridor and enhancing key stretches of Interestate-465, Contract 5 was completed last December— on schedule and on budget. For these reasons, the project placed third on our list of Top 10 Roads of 2025.

“It’s rewarding to see the project team’s effort on the I-69 Finish Line recognized at this level,” said Tim Miller, senior project manager at HNTB. “The project represents decades of planning, coordination and commitment from so many people. The project also became part of fabric of the lives of so many people; that they can proudly share with their children and grandchildren.    Seeing it come together, thanks to INDOT’s leadership, and knowing the difference it’s making for Hoosiers makes every bit of that work worthwhile.”

Contract 5 was a game-changer for regional mobility. By upgrading State Route 37 (SR 37) to interstate standards and adding lanes along I-465, it eliminated six at-grade intersections and improved traffic flow on one of the region’s most heavily traveled corridors.

Travelers between Martinsville and Indianapolis now save approximately 11 minutes compared with pre-construction conditions, while the corridor accommodates design-year traffic volumes projected at more than 90,000 vehicles per day. Beyond commuter convenience, these improvements directly enhance safety. Overpasses, underpasses and local access roads reduce conflict points, LED lighting improves nighttime visibility, and pedestrian and bicycle crossings foster multimodal connectivity.

Economic benefits are equally significant. Contract 5 preserves critical trucking capacity along I-465, supporting the flow of goods for Indianapolis. Over the next 20 years, the I-69 Finish Line project is expected to generate more than $4 billion in economic activity, making it as vital to commerce as it is to commuters.

The design and construction of Contract 5 were marked by innovation and collaboration. Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), HNTB, American Structurepoint, and the Walsh-Milestone joint venture established an integrated team, co-locating in a 10,000-square-foot management office. This proximity allowed for continuous collaboration, accelerated problem-solving and rapid adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the team implemented virtual review processes, remote design checks, and cloud-based document management to maintain progress.

Technology played a central role: 3D models informed GPS-guided earthwork, while weekly LiDAR surveys monitored quality control. Field crews used BIM on handheld tablets, ensuring real-time access to official drawings and inspection records. Alternative technical concepts (ATCs) further boosted efficiency.

Unique design features also set Contract 5 apart. The I-69 grade optimization reduced material needs by about one million cubic yards, while INDOT’s Next Generation Concrete Surface created quieter, safer driving conditions. Citizens Energy Group’s gravity sewer and force main ATC avoided a complex tunnel under I-465, further reducing risk and cost. In combination, these innovations reflect a project that balances technical precision with practical impact.

Project management excellence underpinned these achievements. The design-build best-value procurement model prioritized quality and cost control, with technical and price proposals evaluated independently to prevent bias. Schedule adherence was ensured through critical-path scheduling, lookahead plans and proactive risk management.

Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, a daily commuter along SR 37, supported the project from concept to completion, securing funding and legislative recognition. His dual perspective as policymaker and local resident helped ensure the corridor met regional and local needs.

“The legacy of the I-69 Finish Line is about more than the new roadway,” Miller said. “It represents what INDOT set out to achieve — a safer, more efficient corridor that connects communities and strengthens opportunities across the state. For the residents who live and work along the corridor, this project means a safer and more efficient commute, greater access to jobs and new potential for growth and investment. It’s a project that will continue to deliver value for decades, not just through improved mobility, but through the economic and quality-of-life benefits it brings to neighboring communities.”

Project: I-69 Finish Line – Contract 5

Location: Indianapolis, Ind. 

Owner: Indiana Department of Transportation

Owner's Rep: HNTB

Designer: American Structurepoint, Inc. (lead design firm)

Contractor: Walsh-Milestone, joint venture contractor

Cost: $728 million

Length: More than 5 miles of existing State Route 37 and more than 8 miles of Interstate 465