Variable speed limits on southeast side could limit 465 travel to as low as 35 mph

INDIANAPOLIS – Variable speed limits are coming to I-465 soon.

The Indiana Department of Transportation will implement the concept on the southeast side starting “on or after” Sept. 10 along the I-465 corridor on the southeast side.

The standard 55 mph speed limit will change based on traffic, weather conditions, work zones and crashes. INDOT said the speed limit will decline or increase in 5 mph increments.

Digital signs are already in place, posted every half-mile along both sides of I-465. Speed limits may go as low as 35 mph, based on the circumstances.

INDOT hopes the change will help manage traffic congestion, leading to fewer stop-and-go situations and a more consistent traffic flow.

Police will enforce the posted speed limit, meaning drivers should pay extra attention to road conditions and the potential for changing speed limits.

The move is part of an overall Transportation Systems Management Operations (TSMO) strategy on the southeast side to manage traffic flow during peak times.

It’s the same program that brought ramp metering to the southeast side earlier this year. Dynamic message boards, which inform drivers of road hazards and other conditions, are also part of TSMO improvements.

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