Northern Interchange Project
I-65 & US 52 Interchange Improvement Project
The I-65 & US 52 Interchange Improvement Project is now being advanced to move the existing US-52 interchange to a new location approximately .28 miles north of the existing CR 300 N Overpass over I-65. Traffic would be routed to this new interchange, and ramps to the older US-52 interchange would be removed. The purpose and need for this upgrade is due to a lack of full access due to the current interchange only being a partial interchange. Also proposed development near the interchange and safety concerns necessitate the upgrade. Thirdly, the project will allow for direct access to SR-39 and the northern business district of Lebanon which has long been needed due to frequent congestion in downtown Lebanon. Finally with growth being inevitable, the project is needed to accommodate future traffic demand as development occurs.
Information and Timeline
INDOT's current timeline shows the finalization of EIS/EIR documents and final design to be Mid to Late 2024. The project is slated to begin construction in Spring of 2025. More information on this project can be found at the 52at65 website and at INDOT
Northern Interchange Feasibility Study
The Lebanon Northern Interchange Feasibility Study was a study being conducted at the request of the city council and the mayor of Lebanon that sought to explore the the best potential options and alternatives for the state to design and build a new northern interchange north of the city along Interstate 65. This interchange would potentially be located to the north of the CR 300 N road corridor, however until the study is complete the exact location and design are yet to be determined.
Controversy
This interchange is not without it's fair share of controversy. Residents on the north side of town voiced their opinions at a recent city council meeting regarding concerns over the placement of an interchange. The consensus was that there was a lot of misinformation that was being disseminated regarding the project and that lead to unrest and angst among local residents concerned about imminent domain issues and potential impacts to property, property values, and aesthetic value of their real estate. There were also many concerns regarding what input the public would be able to have prior to the interchange being built. It was almost as if people thought that the vote was to proceed with the building of the interchange without public input. The mayor and council members took extra time dispel those concerns and to explain that the study is designed to do three things. First it is designed to survey and assess the land and identify the best alternative(s) and location for the interchange and connecting roads. The mayor and council explained that this is not a final planning phase or bid but a first step to identifying what the best options are so that the city can choose the best one. Second, the study is designed to look at potential impacts to the surrounding properties and environment to make sure that the project is built in such a way that it can minimize impact to structures, wetlands, and historic or sacred grounds. Thirdly, the study is designed to allow the public to have input through the process as well since it is a preliminary step, once the study is complete, the public will have the opportunity to review and make public comments.
Just for Recommendation to INDOT
The purpose proposed by the city for wanting to complete the study is to show the state interest in getting the interchange completed. In addition it is to make a recommendation to the state as to the best alternative(s) identified in the study and that hopefully the state would heed the cities study and take the recommended action. That being said, the state may have their own study and have their own plans and take actions on those without city input. So what is the benefit then? Why not just let the state spend the money? Well that is because the state listens to the cities. A traffic study would have significant weight on the states planning and design.
Vision Potential
With the new interchange comes needed access to the north side of Lebanon and northern subdivisions and planned growth for the city. But there are some additional potential benefits as well. SR-39 through downtown Lebanon is far too congested to handle the traffic it does especially during peak travel periods. Additionally having higher semi-truck traffic volume running through central Lebanon is less than ideal. If the state were to relinquish the state road through the city and route it over the new interchange and along I-65, then it would get the through trucks out of downtown. In addition, trucks needing to access businesses on the north side of town could now access them more safely via the newer north connection instead. The map shows a potential location for the interchange along with connecting routes to US-52 and SR-39 (North Lebanon Street) along with other potential upgrades that could take place to enhance the transportation. The map is for illustration purposes only and was created by this site and not the city of Lebanon or the state.