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INDOT says most state roads and bridges are in fair or better condition; outlines major projects and funding gap for I‑69 bridge
Summary
INDOT told the Roads and Transportation Committee it maintains about 28,406 lane miles and 5,771 bridges, with roughly 97% of bridges and 94% of pavement rated fair or better; officials outlined major projects including FlexRoad and the I‑69 Ohio River crossing and warned a substantial federal grant is still pending for the bridge.
Aaron Wainscott, speaking for the Indiana Department of Transportation, told the Roads and Transportation Committee that INDOT maintains roughly 28,406 lane miles and 5,771 bridges across the state and that approximately 97% of INDOT‑maintained bridges and 94% of state pavement are rated in fair or better condition by federal standards. "Approximately 97% of INDOT‑maintained bridges are rated in fair or better condition," Wainscott said.
The update included a FY2025 budget snapshot: INDOT obligated about $4.3 billion across programs, with approximately $2.6 billion invested in the state capital program and roughly $816 million supporting local capital programs such as the Community Crossings matching grant program. Operating and administrative costs were about $722 million, Wainscott said.
Why it matters: the presentation framed how preservation and major projects compete for limited funds. Wainscott said more than three quarters of INDOT’s budget goes to physical infrastructure and that large corridor projects often reflect planning decisions made years or decades earlier.
Major projects and schedules INDOT described several multi‑year projects now under construction or in development. In Central Indiana, INDOT cited the I‑69/I‑465 ClearPath work and the recently completed major rebuilding of the North Split in downtown Indianapolis. The agency also highlighted added‑capacity work on I‑65, I‑70 and I‑64.
On the I‑80/I‑94 FlexRoad project in northwest Indiana, Wainscott said the effort emphasizes transportation system management and operations (TSMO) strategies—dynamic shoulder use, variable speed limits and ramp metering—rather than conventional widening. FlexRoad, covering roughly 14 miles, is in environmental analysis and preliminary design; construction is expected to begin in spring 2026 and continue into late 2028. Wainscott said FlexRoad received a $127 million discretionary federal grant through a National Infrastructure Project Assistance program.
I‑69 Ohio River crossing funding gap Wainscott summarized the three parts of the I‑69 Ohio River crossing (Indiana approach, bridge, Kentucky approach) and said Indiana and Kentucky have invested about $484.8 million on approaches to date. The states applied for a joint federal grant of roughly $466 million to help fund the bridge; Wainscott said the bridge’s estimated eligible cost is about $932.7 million and noted Kentucky has committed $150 million from its general fund. "We've applied for a federal grant in the excess of $466,000,000 to go towards that bridge," he said, adding the partners would still be short roughly $300 million under current estimates and that federal and state funding participation remains key.
Committee members pressed INDOT on when grant decisions will be known; Wainscott said federal feedback has been positive but there is no firm award timetable. Members asked for follow‑up materials and district‑specific project lists INDOT said it can provide.
What comes next Committee members asked INDOT to provide the committee with counts and dollar values for postponed projects and promised written answers about district project lists and grant timing. Wainscott reiterated that large corridor projects will rely on a mix of state and federal funds and discretionary grants. The committee adjourned after collecting follow‑up questions for INDOT.
