WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – The Revive I-70 project is underway in Wayne County, led by the Indiana Department of Transportation to improve the interstate corridor.

“The goal of the project is to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow and safety on I-70 in Wayne County,” said Natalie Garrett, INDOT Strategic Communications Director, in an email.

The project is divided into three work contracts.

Contract 1 covers the eastern portion of the project, stretching just west of U.S. 35 to the Ohio state line. Construction for Contract 1 began in early 2025 and is currently ongoing.

Contract 2 extends from west of State Road 1 to just west of Centerville. As of September, pre-construction activities are underway.

“Shoulder strengthening, a key activity to prepare for construction, is continuing for Contract 2, and the ramp from westbound I-70 to westbound U.S. 40 is anticipated to open late this month after closing in late July to begin reconstructing the U.S. 40 interchange,” Garrett wrote in a September update. “When the ramp reopens, there will be a slight traffic shift to new pavement, and drivers will use half of the new roundabout at the U.S. 40 interchange.”

The current partial cloverleaf interchange at U.S. 40 is being replaced with a diamond interchange featuring single-lane roundabouts. As part of the redesign, the existing loops will be removed.

The speed limit through the work zone will remain 55 mph during construction.

Contract 3 will extend from west of Centerville to U.S. 35. A construction timeline and further details for this phase are still in development.

Safety and mobility improvements are major goals of the Revive I-70 project. Garrett said pavement and bridge work is ongoing through the corridor.

“A common incidence along the Revive I-70 corridor is rear-end crashes and crashes caused by improper lane changes and failure to yield,” Garrett said. “Additionally, median barriers will be installed to reduce or eliminate crossover crashes.”

Currently, I-70 has four travel lanes. The project will add a third lane in each direction, for a total of six, just west of U.S. 35 to the Ohio state line. INDOT crews are widening the roadway by using the existing grassy median.

As part of the project:

• The U.S. 35 interchange is being converted into a diamond interchange with single-lane roundabouts.
• U.S. 40 interchange is also being rebuilt with roundabouts and new pedestrian facilities, including sidewalks.

According to the INDOT Revive I-70 website, two travel lanes in each direction on I-70 will remain open during most of the construction. However, some short-term road closures and detours will be required, particularly during work at the I-70/U.S. 40 interchange.

The Cardinal Greenway Trail in Richmond will be temporarily closed for part of the project, though access to the north and south of the closure will remain available.

Construction for Contracts 1 and 2 is expected to be complete by 2029.

“This project is much-needed and INDOT is making significant investments to improve the commute for drivers on I-70, an important interstate corridor. The pavement replacement and rehabilitation will make a big difference in the driver’s experience,” Garrett stated.

Parsons Corp. is the lead project development and design firm. Contractors include Walsh Construction, Crider & Crider, Rieth Riley Joint Venture, and Milestone and E&B Paving.

Drivers can find more information on ReviveI70.com. The project also provides updates on Facebook and X (@ReviveI70).

Image courtsey of the ReviveI70 Facebook page.