Mary Milz/WTHR Eyewitness News
Indianapolis – There will be a big traffic change for drivers on the west side Thursday as work crews shut down a big portion of I-70.
I-70 will close from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm from the south split to I-465, while volunteers from Eli Lilly work on a huge highway landscaping project.
The project is called A Greener Welcome but it may have some drivers seeing red.
Each day 100,000 cars and trucks use drive the six-mile stretch of I-70. But not Thursday.
Crews spent Wednesday planting the stakes for the city’s biggest beautification project ever.
“Multiply this by five interchanges and it’s a lot of work we’ll get done tomorrow,” said Rob Smith, Lilly Foundation.
More than 8,000 Lilly employees will spend 12 hours planting 73,000 trees, shrubs and perennials at five interchanges between downtown and the airport.
Lilly’s been plotting the greening of I-70 for two years.
“In many ways it’s like getting an army into battle,” Smith.
Each volunteer will be assigned a plot and a specific job.
Dealing with traffic disruptions has also required lots of planning and warnings for drivers.
“Obviously it will be inconvenient but it’s only 12 hours,” said Sarah Holsapple, Dept. of Public Works.
The city has worked with INDOT to let drivers know about detours and alternate routes. For instance, don’t take 10th Street. It’s closed at White River.
“Sure, you’ll be sitting in traffic longer than normal, give yourself more time, consider carpooling and grin and bear it, it’s only one day,” said Holsapple.
Still, some call the project more trouble than it’s worth.
“I think it’s great Lilly is giving and money and volunteering for the city, but I think overall the project is a waste of money for drivers and the community,” said Nate Turner, Indianapolis.
Dave Forsell with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful expects at least a few critics to change their minds after Thursday.
“When you see all the blooms and plants thriving and growing, not just the next day but in the long-term I think you’ll see it’s well worth it,” he said.
Basic info:
On October 7, 2010, I-70 will be closed to all traffic from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from I-465 on the west side of Indianapolis to the I-65/I-70 South Split near downtown.
West Detour: Traffic coming from the west will be diverted at I-465. The detour route will be I-465 south to I-65 north, then reconnecting with I-70 east of downtown. Through traffic will be routed on I-465 on the South Side, reconnecting with I-70 on the East Side.
East Detour: Traffic coming from the east will be diverted at I-65. The detour route will be I-65 south to I-465 west, then reconnecting with I-70 and continuing west. Through traffic will be routed on I-465 on the South Side, reconnecting with I-70 on the West Side.
During this period all I-70 interchanges along the project will be closed. This includes: Sam Jones Expressway, Holt Road, Harding Street, West Street, Illinois Street/Capitol Avenue, and Meridian Street.
