The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has been hard at work updating Interstate 69 (I-69), one of the largest DOT infrastructure projects in the US. Nearing the end, INDOT is now in their sixth and final phase of the project, which they’ve fittingly dubbed the “I-69 Finish Line,” including the upgrade of the current State Road 37 to the new I-69.
This stretch of highway from Martinsville to Indianapolis will undergo lane widening, new bridge construction and installation of new noise walls supplied by our team. These changes will help bring the new roadway up to the new I-69 standards with hundreds of lane miles added, wider lanes, access via ramps and bridges, changing curves, drainage and other overall improvements. Safety was also considered resulting in the removal of 14 traffic lights and numerous at-grade intersections.
Much of this new stretch also happens to run along residential areas, which was a cause for concern with the anticipated increase in traffic.
Martinsville is home to a historic downtown district with a red brick courthouse and a building that pre-dates the Civil War. Proud of their rich history, residents voted to maintain that aesthetic, so a custom brick pattern was selected for the homeowner side of the noise wall.
EKHO and HNTB’s Principal Landscape Architect, worked together to determine the feasibility of the requested aesthetic treatments. In close collaboration, they fine-tuned the specifications of the pattern, coating and color, including the decision to hand-paint the brick pattern.
“Collaborating with EKHO was a pleasure. It was important to have aesthetic continuity in this section of I-69 through Martinsville. Our bridges had retaining walls with multi-colored bricks and we wanted the noise walls to match. EKHO worked with us to develop a cost effective approach that also exceeded our aesthetic objectives.”
EKHO was the preferred partner for this project as we were able to offer the best value on single- and double-sided absorptive panels while meeting the aesthetic and noise abatement requirements. In addition, EKHO has been a trusted partner to INDOT and has since established a good working relationship with Walsh, the general contractor on the project.
This isn’t the only involvement EKHO has with this project – stay tuned for more details on our upcoming work throughout phase six and how we are helping bring I-69 through the “Finish Line.”
Engineered noise barriers, retaining walls, and safety hardware tested for the demands of modern transportation infrastructure.
Learn more about Highways & RoadsPartner with EKHO to deliver infrastructure solutions designed for today’s complexity and tomorrow’s opportunities. Together, we’ll shape smarter, more connected communities.
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