Downtown Indianapolis has two places where I-65 and I-70 come together and split apart: the North Split on the northeast edge of downtown and the South Split near Fountain Square. The North Split carries about 214,000 vehicles a day.
INDOT rebuilt the North Split in a project that closed the interchange in May 2021. It fully reopened on May 1, 2023, and the last ramp opened later that month. Some connections changed for good. The ramp from Delaware and 11th streets to southbound I-65 was removed, and the Meridian/Pennsylvania Street exit can now be reached only from northbound I-65. Drivers still working from old habits, or old GPS directions, can get caught out.
What makes the North Split tricky
- Short distances between ramps, with little room to merge and pick a lane.
- Changed downtown connections after the rebuild.
- Mixed traffic: commuters, semis passing through, and visitors heading to games and conventions.
Who handles crashes there
Usually the Indiana State Police on the interstate, and IMPD on nearby downtown streets.
After a crash at the North Split
- Note exactly where: which ramp, which direction, which lane. "Downtown on 65" isn't enough.
- If the other driver made a sudden late lane change for an exit, tell the officer and write it down.
- Check INDOT's traffic cameras and 511 information for the time of the crash, and ask a lawyer about preserving any video quickly.
Nearby: Downtown Indianapolis · Marion County · I-465 · Car accidents · All roads · Fees
Call (317) 780-8000.
Sources
- INDOT: www.in.gov/indot/
- WISH-TV, I-65 at North Split reopens: www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/i-65-at-north-split-reopens-after-2-years-of-construction/
- Indiana 511 traffic information: 511in.org/