Drivers should expect to see changes to I-465 around Indianapolis. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and what’s coming.
Speeding cameras
Speeding cameras have been installed on I-465 as part of the Indiana Safe Zones program. The five-year pilot program aims to create safer conditions for drivers and road workers in construction zones. The program was part of a bill enacted by the 2023 legislature. Speeding cameras are allowed in up to four sites at a time; they were first installed on I-70 last August. After construction on I-70 ended, cameras were also installed in January in the I-465/I-69 construction zone on the northeast side of Indianapolis.
“We continue to see high incidents of speeding through work zones in Indiana,” said Natalie Garrett, strategic communications director for the Indiana Department of Transportation. “Speed is also, in general, one of the top factors in severe and fatal crashes. So, lowering speeds, reducing crashes, improved safety for everyone that's traveling through these construction zones.”
Prior to installing speeding cameras, Garrett said INDOT found drivers going between 80 and 100 miles per hour in 45-mile-per-hour construction zones. As a result, in 2024, 30 people were killed and over 1,500 were injured in those zones.
But since the end of May, excessive speeding was down an average of 75 percent, helping create safer conditions and decreasing crashes.
“It may not be safe for the police officer or for the person that they're pulling over just because of the way the work zone is set up,” she said, “so this program helps eliminate that risk as well.”
If a vehicle is going 11 miles per hour or more over the speed limit, the camera will take a picture of the license plate and a violation will be sent to the driver by mail. The first violation is a warning. The second is a $75 civil fine and any subsequent violations are $150 each. Violations must be paid online, by phone or mail within 30 days of the violation being mailed. Money made from the tickets goes to the state’s general fund; Garrett said the amount collected is not yet available.
On or after July 7, speeding cameras will be installed in the construction zone on I-65. It’s possible the Safe Zones program could become permanent.
“It would become kind of another permanent tool in our toolbox that we could use in specific work zones as a safety tool,” she said.
New I-465 speed limit
On or after July 1, the speed limit on most of I-465 will increase from 55 miles per hour to 65 miles per hour thanks to a new house bill. One section of the highway on the northwest side of Indianapolis will remain 55 miles per hour.
Garrett said when deciding whether to increase the speed limit, INDOT took into account highway design and safety.
“Traffic flow could be potentially improved,” she said. “I think we all know that many drive faster than the speed limit, on 465 especially during peak travel times, so we're working with ISP (Indiana State Police) and law enforcement to make sure that people are traveling safely.”
Tolling
Indiana will become the first state to allow tolling on all interstate highways. House Enrolled Act 1461 permits INDOT to request waivers from the Federal Highway Administration to implement tolls without any additional legislative approval.
Governor Mike Braun announced that more money is needed to fund state roads. Fuel taxes aren’t sufficient; gas tax revenue is decreasing as hybrid and electric vehicles become more common. Authors of the bill did not respond to requests for interviews. Garrett said INDOT will share more information as it becomes available.
“No decisions have been made, but tolling has to be considered to maintain Indiana's current and future infrastructure,” she said. “We are exploring all potential options.”
