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Completing a Critical Link for the I-69 Highway Expansion

Photo courtesy of American Structurepoint

First envisioned in the 1970s, the new I-69 highway expansion in Indiana is closer than ever to becoming a reality. Terracon’s team of local experts is a key part of this project, for the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), which is designed to connect an entire region with improved access to jobs, education and healthcare.

As the geotechnical engineer of record for Sections 4 and 5 of the 142-mile corridor, we were trusted with leading the geotechnical engineering for over $1B of construction value. The geotechnical engineering included all of the exploratory field work, the laboratory testing program, and the analysis and recommendations followed by engineering services during construction and some materials testing. With price escalations and supply shortages during the COVID timeframe, our team was able to continually optimize bridge foundations to help offset the cost increases.

INDOT needed to work quickly to complete the expansion. Although our industry was deemed essential, the accelerated timeframe during the peak of the COVID pandemic presented a challenge that Terracon was eager to support. Using a national workforce to work locally, 50 employee-owners were able to complete the design in less than 12 months. The entire project was done remotely – a successful feat during the time. Our work continues with engineering services during construction, including pre-construction exploratory work and observation of high resistance rock-socketed drilled shafts slated for this winter.

Photo courtesy of American Structurepoint

When completed in 2024, the I-69 project results in a much-anticipated corridor of free flow traffic from Evansville to Indianapolis, and in the greater scale, this piece of I-69 completes a major component of an interstate that will connect Texas to the Canadian border at Port Huron, Michigan.

Terracon’s nationwide resources include more than 5,500 employees serving all 50 states. We can bring the same level of expertise and effort to similar transportation projects across the country, with valuable services at every construction phase. Let’s explore how we can help your next transportation project.

About the I-69 Finish Line

Section 6 – Martinsville to Indianapolis

• 47 bridges
• 59 retaining walls
• 3 million SYD of pavement (HMA, PCCP &CRCP) approximately 130 lane miles
• 5M CYS earthwork
• 14 sound walls
• 3 interchange modifications
• 4 new interchanges