Interstate 65 connects the Deep South with the Midwest, providing a north-south connection from the ports of the Gulf of Mexico to the ports of the Great Lakes. Beginning in Mobile and ending in Gary, Indiana in the greater Chicago area, Interstate 65 serves several major cities along its path, roughly parallel to U.S. 31 throughout. The only exception to this is between Indianapolis and Gary: Interstate 65 parallels U.S. 231 for this distance.
Alabama's main street, Interstate 65 begins in the "Port City" of Mobile while serving the capital of Montgomery and economic hub of the state in Birmingham before entering the Volunteer State. The freeway begins at Interstate 10 and travels north through the Mobile metropolitan area to the Mobile/Tensaw River/Little Lizard Creek/Mifflin Lake bridges. The freeway carries a 65 mph speed limit to Saraland, where it increases to 70 mph. The freeway is very rural with fast speeds between Lower Alabama to the capital city of Montgomery. There Interstate 65 features a low 50 mph speed limit and only four lanes of travel. It is unclear if widening or other construction will be undertaken to upgrade this stretch of freeway. At Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama, Interstate 65 again widens to six lanes. The highway is heavily traveled between Exits 247 and 267 and thus carries six lanes. Outside of the metropolitan areas of the three aforementioned cities, Interstate 65 carries four lanes through gentle hills of pine forest.
North of Huntsville, Alabama and Interstate 565, Interstate 65 passes through 120 miles of Tennessee with a direct line through Nashville. In 2000, the route of Interstate 65 in that city changed with the relocation over former Interstate 265. From there, Interstate 65 shares a short overlap with Interstate 24 in north Nashville before crossing into the Bluegrass State.
At one point, Interstate 65 between Elizabethtown and Louisville consisted of the tolled Kentucky Turnpike. This stretch of highway was decommissioned as a toll highway in the late 1970s with the Kentucky Turnpike name retired as well. Otherwise Interstate 65 serves Kentucky's largest city of Louisville before crossing into Indiana en route to Indianapolis. The northern terminus of the highway is in the eastern Chicago metropolitan area in the city of Gary at the Indiana Toll Road (Interstate 90). A further exit links Interstate 65 to U.S. 12 and 20, and a traffic light sits on the freeway as part of this interchange and intersection.
Planned Improvements
Construction has recently completed widening Interstate 65 to six lanes from the southern terminus at Interstate 10 northward to Exit 13 at Saraland, Alabama. Widening is planned for in the long range for Interstate 65 northward to the Exit 19 interchange with U.S. 43 at Satsuma, Alabama. In the meantime the Exit 1 cloverleaf interchange with U.S. 90 (Government Boulevard) at Mobile is undergoing a reconstruction. The roadwork will result in the removal of the cloverleaf ramps from Interstate 65 in both directions to Highway 90. Upon completion of the project, the weaving traffic pattern that currently exists between the cloverleaf ramps will be eliminated. All traffic to U.S. 90 will then utilize a single multi-lane ramp from Interstate 65. This interchange redesign has also occurred at Exit 3/Airport Boulevard (completed in 1996) and will occur at U.S. 45/Exit 9A/B in Prichard. The Exit 1 project is underway and shall be complete by Spring 2004.2
In the Volunteer State, Interstate 65 is set to undergo reconstruction and expansion north of the central business district of Nashville. Constructed in 1968, Interstate 65 will see widening from Trinity Lane north to Vietnam Veterans Boulevard, the installation of sound barriers, and introduction of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies. This project is split into three phases: From Dickerson Pike (U.S. 31W-41 - Exit 89) north to Old Hickory Boulevard (Exit 92), Interstate 65 widening from six to ten lanes with auxiliary lanes between Tennessee 155/Briley Parkway (Exit 90) north to Exit 92. Sound barriers will be installed and the Tennessee 155 interchange rebuilt. Four bridges over Interstate 65 will also be replaced. Construction began early 2001 and will complete by late 2003. The second phase consists of again expanding Interstate 65 from six to ten lanes. Started in early 2002, the Exit 92 to Vietnam Veterans Boulevard expansion is projected to end by late 2004. Construction of the third phase between Trinity Lane (Exit 87) north to Exit 89 is still unfunded with plans yet to be fully complete. The goals of the project are to add increased capacity and to smooth current traffic flows. Traffic counts on the highway are increasing dramatically from 60,000 vpd in 1986 to 117,000 in 2000. Projections are that up to 177,000 vpd will use the freeway in 20 years time.3
In Louisville, Kentucky, major improvements and upgrades are planned for the interchange between Interstates 64, 65, and 71 at the "Spaghetti Junction" (Kennedy Interchange) as part of the larger Ohio River Bridge Project. While this project primarily focuses on the construction of a new Interstate 265 bridge ("East End Bridge") and doubling capacity of the Interstate 65 Downtown Bridge by building a parallel span for northbound traffic, the improvements planned for the Interstate 64, 65, and 71 interchange are significant. Improvements cited from the project webpage include:4
Increased capacity for the ramp system
A new interchange design at Mellwood Avenue and Interstate 64
A new partial interchange at Interstate 71 and Frankfort Avenue/Ohio Street
Realignment of Interstate 64 between Interstate 65 and Interstate 71 to a new alignment south of the existing alignment
Extension of Witherspoon Street one mile to Frankfort Avenue/Ohio Street
In December 2006, costs were estimated for the improvements slated for Interstate 64, Interstate 65, and Interstate 265 in Louisville. Reaching over 60% of initial estimates, the cost for two new Ohio River Bridges and the reconstruction of the downtown "Spaghetti Junction" interchange between Interstates 64, 65, and 71 was estimated to be $3.9 billion. The components of this major construction initiative are as follows:5
Design of the new bridges and confirmation of this schedule of construction should be completed by early 2007. Funding is a major concern, and lack of funding could push back the construction phase. The high cost of reconstructing the downtown interchange has piqued the interest in some residents to remove Interstate 64 from downtown Louisville (called "86" 64 or Remove 64), since one of the tenants of this plan would include elimination of the freeway west of Interstate 65 along the waterfront, thus negating the much of the required "Spaghetti Junction."6
History
The first section of Interstate 65 to open in Tennessee was located at the Tennessee-Alabama line, and it opened to traffic in Tennessee on November 15, 1958. The 1.8-mile stretch cost $1.3 million to construct over an 18-month period (starting in May 1957).
Parallel/Historic U.S. Routes
Interstate 65 parallels U.S. 31 for much of its route, with the exception of the stretch northwest of Indianapolis, where it parallels U.S. 52 (Indianapolis to Lafayette) and U.S. 231 (old U.S. 152 from Lafayette to Crown Point).
Although eight miles from the terminus, the first mentioning of Interstate 10 on Interstate 65 southbound. "Interstate Rt 10" is used in lieu of a control city, as Interstate 65 finds its remaining nine miles all within the city limits of Mobile. Comparisons can be made between this guide sign and the one for Interstate 170's southern terminus in Missouri. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (09/17/02).
Interstate 10 (Exit 0) advance guide sign on Interstate 65 southbound before the cloverleaf interchange with U.S. 90. Note the state based control cities of Florida and Mississippi. On the mainline of Interstate 10 the westbound control city is Pascagoula and the eastbound control city is Pensacola. Photo taken by Jeff Royston (06/01).
The final Interstate 65 mainline reassurance shield, posted between Milepost 2 and 1 after traffic from U.S. 90/Government Street eastbound merges onto the freeway. Interstate 65 expands to four southbound lanes with the addition of the on-ramp from U.S. 90. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (01/14/03).
Graphical overhead in the slotted signage format exclusive to the state of Alabama and the city of Newark, New Jersey. The slotted signs are much like a steel grate, such as those used as walkways at industrial sites. This sign assembly is located on Interstate 65 southbound, one mile before the terminus. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (03/07/02).
A second, reflectorized diagrammatical overhead for Interstate 10 on Interstate 65 southbound. Three lanes are allocated for Interstate 10 westbound as through traffic interests from Atlanta and points northeast depart west to New Orleans, Houston, and other locations. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (10/00).
Another perspective of the same sign bridge along Interstate 65 southbound. Both Interstate 10 ramps feature a sharp curvature to them and thus are posted with a 45 mph cautionary speed. The Interstate 10 eastbound ramp is substandard with a lack of shoulders. This results from a restriping of the original one lane ramp to two. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (03/07/02).
Finally, Interstate 65 terminates at a unstacked "y" interchange with Interstate 10. This is a rare case where the Exit 0 tabs are displayed on the related signage. However, with that stated, no end Interstate 65 shield is posted. Although three lanes are allocated for Interstate 10 west, traffic must quickly merge onto the mainline as all three lanes end within one mile. Two miles to the west Interstate 10 reduces from six to four lanes as the right-hand lane transitions into an exit-only affair for
Alabama 193/Exit 17 at Tillmans Corner. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (05/02/02).
Night time view of the Interstate 10 sign bridge at the terminus. Interstate 10 widens to eight lanes as it travels just six miles to downtown Mobile. The port city of Pascagoula, Mississippi is the next point of interest for westbound motorists. The coastal locale is 26 miles to the west. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (05/19/01).
Perspective from Interstate 65 north
First mainline Interstate 65 shield, posted just beyond the Interstate 10 ramp merges. This shield features series C Highway Gothic font and was posted during the spring of 2001. Additionally there are Interstate 65 trailblazers located on each Interstate 10 ramp to Interstate 65. The first interchange of Interstate 65 is located 1.50 miles to the north. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (03/07/02).
Perspective from Interstate 10 east
Interstate 65 - Junction Two Miles guide sign on eastbound Interstate 10. Located near milepost 18, this is the first Interstate 65 mentioning on Interstate 10 east. A similar sign can be found on Interstate 10 west between the Michigan Avenue/Exit 23 and Dauphin Island Parkway (Alabama 163)/Exit 22
interchanges. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman/Andy Field (06/01).
The first of two diagrammatical overheads for the Interstate 10 and 65 split. Interstate 10 eastbound will expand to four lanes one half mile from the interchange. Two lanes are allocated for Interstate 65 north and three for Interstate 10 east. The original sign configuration on this overpass featured two separate panels. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (06/16/03).
A similar graphical representation of the lane partition of eastbound Interstate 10 traffic from Interstate 65 northbound traffic is posted just west of the left-hand exit. The ramp itself originally only allocated one lane for Interstate 65 north. A restriping of the ramp now crams two lanes onto the original roadway. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (10/00).
The northbound beginning of Interstate 65 from eastbound Interstate 10. The speed limits for Interstate 10 and 65 within one mile of this interchange are posted at 55 MPH. The limits increase to 65 MPH as the respective freeways depart their junction. As of December 2002, yellow flashers are installed to the Interstate 65 panel. They are affixed to the sides of the "Ramp Speed 45 MPH" advisory panel
at the bottom of the guide sign. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (05/01/02).
A updated view of the Interstate 10 eastbound split with Interstate 65 north at Exit 20. The pervasive city of Mobile encompasses the first eight miles of Interstate 65. Within the municipal boundaries are five interchanges (Exit 1 - U.S. 90, Exit 3 - Airport Boulevard, Exit 4 - Dauphin Street,
Exit 5A - Springhill Avenue, Exit 5B - U.S. 98/Moffett Road). Otherwise 171 miles separate this junction with Interstate 85 at the Alabama capital city. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (06/16/03).
Next Three Interstate Junctions for Interstate 10 East
Interstate 10 sports eight lanes from the Canal Street exit near downtown (Exit 26A) westward to Interstate 65/Exit 20. This graphical overhead is situated one mile before the southern terminus of Interstate 65. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman/Andy Field (06/01).
One quarter mile from the split of Interstate 65 north from Interstate 10 west/Exit 20. The northbound Interstate 65 ramp is used heavily by Mobilians traveling back and forth between Downtown, Midtown, and West Mobile. Continuing west on Interstate 10 sees the expansion of the metropolitan area to include Tillmans Corner (Exits 15/17), Theodore (Exits 13/15), Irvington (Exit 13), and Saint Elmo (future Exit 10). Interstate 10 departs the city limits of Mobile near milepost 18. Photo taken by Alex
Nitzman (09/23/02).
Split of Interstate 10 westbound with Interstate 65 north/Exit 20. This interchange is in need of redesign, as the curved ramps for Interstate 65 are somewhat tight in all directions. All four movements within this interchange carry at least two lanes of traffic. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (09/23/02).
Same view of the Interstate 10 westbound Exit 20, only two years prior. Interstate 65 maintains moderate traffic volume and six lanes of travel northward through Alabama 158/213 (Exit 13) at Saraland. A 65 mph speed limit is posted northward to that interchange. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (10/00).
The predecessor of the set of signs in the above two photographs, but in original button copy format. Note that the sign lightning fixtures were removed with the sign replacement. All Interstate 10 mainline button copy signage was replaced between the years of 1993 and 1996. Vidcap taken by Alex Nitzman (06/93).
This westbound Interstate 10 photograph displays the original sign and lane configuration at Exit 20. Interstate 10 only carried two westbound lanes at this time while Interstate 65 still maintained two. What appears to be a U.S. 90 trailblazer is posted in the background, along with a since replaced Interstate 65/Exit 20 gore point sign. The control city of Montgomery is posted on a greenout. This most likely was added after Interstate 65 was completed beyond the city of Mobile. The first section of Interstate 65 to be completed in the Mobile metropolitan area was between Exit 1/U.S. 90 - Government Boulevard and Exit 8/U.S. 45 Saint Stephens Road at Prichard. During this period, the mid-1960s completed freeway included significant signage directing trucks carrying hazardous materials onto U.S. Highways 31-43-45-90-98 in lieu of the Bankhead (U.S. 31-90-98) and Interstate 10 Tunnels. The sign may be
a remnant of those early year trailblazers and appears to display "To Truck U.S. 90". 1 Photo taken by Michael Summa (1989).
Rounding the bend from Interstate 10 west to Interstate 65 north is this first northbound reassurance shield. Although not readily visible, an empty bracket above the North sign plate used to display "TO". The right-hand lane becomes exit-only for Exit 1/U.S. 90 within one mile. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (09/23/02).
Next Three Interstate Junctions for Interstate 10 West
The first indication of the final Interstate junctions on Interstate 65 northbound is this Chicago interests centerline overhead for Interstates 80, 90, and 94. Photo taken by Chris Patriarca (05/25/03).
Interstate 65 north expands to four lanes in anticipation of the Interstate 80/94 junction. The paired Interstates share a 19 mile overlap between Lansing, Illinois and Portage, Indiana. Photo taken by Chris Patriarca (05/25/03).
Now at Interstate 80/94, Exit 294A takes two lanes of Interstate 65 northbound westward to Chicagoland and Hammond, Indiana. The junction with the Indiana Toll Road is still 2.50 miles to the north. Photo taken by Chris Patriarca (05/25/03).
One and one-quarter mile sign bridge for Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road at mile 260.2 Interstate 65 northbound. The next to last exit is for Exit 261/15th Avenue. Photo taken by Brian Dowd (06/15/02).
Centerline mileage sign for 15th Ave, I-90/Indiana Toll Road and U.S. Routes 12/20. This sign is at mile 260.4. What is interesting is that this upcoming exit sign utilizes shields, as the majority of these type of three exit centerline signs within Indiana normally omit them. Brian notes that exceptions occur along the stretch of Interstate 65 between U.S. Route 30 and U.S. Routes 12/20. Photo taken by Brian Dowd (06/15/02).
At mile 260.8 is the first indication that Interstate 65 is about to come to an end. Photo taken by Brian Dowd (06/15/02).
Sign bridge with the last three junctions of Interstate 65: 15th Avenue, Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road and U.S. Routes 12/20, three-quarters of a mile before the northern terminus. What is happening is that Interstate 65 is continuing north, while Interstate 90 is only a short distance, traveling northeast. For about a half mile, Interstate 65 and Interstate 90 parallel each other, until a ramp leaves Interstate 65 north to connect directly to Interstate 90. Then Interstate 65 flies over the ramp coming from Interstate 90, followed by a traffic signal at U.S. 12-20. U.S. 12-20 is truly the north end of Interstate 65. Photo taken by Brian Dowd (06/15/02).
Northbound Interstate 65 reaches Exit 262, Junction Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road. Prior to 2004, the left two lanes continued into a traffic signal with the connecting ramp from Interstate 90 (both east/west directions) to southbound Interstate 65. This signal was eliminated in 2004; the bridge ahead now carries Interstate 65 over that transition ramp and now continues as a freeway all the way to U.S. 12-20, East Dunes Highway. Note the control cities for the Indiana Toll Road of the states of Illinois and Ohio, which is the most common practical use of control points in the Chicagoland area for the Illinois Tollway system. The city limits of Chicago and Illinois state border are just 17 miles from this ramp. Meanwhile the Buckeye State line is another 150 miles to the east. Photos taken by Chris Lokken (08/08/06) and Dave Sudhoff (05/21/05).
This photo shows the prior configuration, back when a traffic signal governed the transition from Interstate 90 to Interstate 65 south. Photo taken by Jeff Royston (11/01).
Combination of the exit gore for the Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road exit and the former traffic signal in the middle of the Interstate 90 to Interstate 65 interchange. This traffic signal was removed in 2003-2004 and replaced with an interchange. Photo taken by Brian Dowd (06/15/02).
This signalized intersection with the U.S. 12/20 overlap represents the northern terminus of Interstate 65. The two U.S. highways split a short distance to the east with both serving the cities of Portage and Michigan City along the southern shores of Lake Michigan. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
A view of the Interstate 65 traffic light from the south looking north. Note a lack of Interstate standard guide signage for this junction with U.S. 12/20. Photos taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Perspective from Interstate 65 Southbound
We begin our southbound Interstate 65 journey immediately after the U.S. 12-20 intersection and the former Interstate 90 connection traffic signal. What makes the north end of Interstate 65 an anomaly, is the fact that the first southbound Interstate 65 shield is posted between the U.S. 12/20 and Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road *intersections* (before the second intersection was removed). Although the sign bridge on Interstate 65 north at Exit 262 (Indiana Toll Road) indicates that the designation ends there, this shield proves otherwise. Top photo taken by Brian Dowd (06/15/02); bottom photo taken by Jeff Royston (11/01).
With the recently completed project that added the grade separation over 15th Street to Interstate 65, this is how the southbound beginning is signed as of 2005. Notice how a new shield was added, followed by the older shield that it still standing. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
The first exit along southbound Interstate 65 is Exit 261, 15th Avenue. This is where the traffic signalized intersection used to be located (see below for the prior configuration). Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
View southbound of the former stoplight at the Interstate 90/Toll Road intersection. Photo taken by Brian Dowd (06/15/02).
Here is an even closer view at the former intersection. In the background visible is the guide sign for Interstates 80/94 and U.S. 6. In Lake County, Interstate 65 is designated the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway. Photo taken by Brian Dowd (06/15/02).
Skewed in the above photograph, this guide sign is situated behind the No Left Turn sign, facing traffic departing from Interstate 90 to Interstate 65 south. This intersection was replaced with a full interchange, and this guide sign has since been removed. Photo taken by Brian Dowd (06/15/02).
Continuing south, the next exit along Interstate 65 south is the junction with Interstate 80-94 and U.S. 6, the Frank Borman Expressway. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
The first ramp connects to westbound Interstate 80-94 and U.S. 6 (Exit 259A), while the second ramp connects to eastbound Interstate 80-94 and U.S. 6 (Exit 259B). Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Southbound Interstate 65 reaches Exit 259A, Junction Interstate 80-94 and U.S. 6 (Borman Expressway) west to Chicago and Joliet. The second ramp is Exit 259B, Junction Interstate 80-94 and U.S. 6 (Borman Expressway) east to Toledo and Detroit. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Continuing south, this ramp connects to eastbound Interstate 80-94 and U.S. 6 (Exit 259B). The next exit is Exit 258, Junction Business U.S. 6/Ridge Road. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Perspectives from U.S. 12/20 east
U.S. Routes 12/20 (in this area it is 5th Avenue) eastbound at the northern terminus of Interstate 65 in Gary. Here is the junction sign assembly. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Closer view of the stoplight at the northern terminus of Interstate 65. The bridge in the background is believed to be that of Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road. In the foreground of the span is the guide sign for Interstate 65 South/Indianapolis, an indicator for the ramp that leads to the access road for Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road. Technically, access to the Indiana Toll Road from Interstate 65 southbound is denied. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Perspectives from U.S. 12/20 west
Westbound on U.S. 12/20 toward Interstate 90 and 65. This light, which is believed to be located at Utah St, is situated just before the first sign bridge of the impending junction with Interstate 65 and the Indiana Toll Road (missing Interstate shield). The Interstate 65 shield retains the state name of Indiana. Photo taken by Brian Dowd (12/26/02).
U.S. 12/20 westbound before the ramp for the beginning of Interstate 65. The overpass shown is Interstate 90, also the Indiana Toll Road. Photo taken by Don Hargraves (09/23/02).
Drawing closer to the Interstate 65 turn-off from U.S. 12/20 westbound. Visible is the ramp in question. Note that it carries traffic both to and from U.S. 12/20. Photo taken by Don Hargraves (09/23/02).
Perspectives from Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road west
The first indication of the pending junction with Interstate 65 appears on Interstate 80-90/Indiana Toll Road near Portage. Photo by AARoads (09/02/05).
Prior to the Interstate 65 interchange, Interstate 80 and Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road separate at Exit 21. Interstate 80 merges with Interstate 94 and U.S. 6 to follow the Borman Expressway west to Illinois. Interstate 80-94/U.S. 6 has the side benefit of being a faster route to southbound Interstate 65 from this point. Photo by AARoads (09/02/05).
Interstate 80 and Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road separate at this interchange with Interstate 94 (Tri-State Highway) near Lake Station. Photo by AARoads (09/02/05).
However, if you missed your chance to connect to the continuation of Interstate 80 west, don't turn around or shift to reverse. Keep going to Exit 17, Junction Interstate 65. Photo by AARoads (09/02/05).
This mileage sign provides the distance to Exit 17, Junction Interstate 65 and U.S. 12-20; Exit 15, Junction Indiana 53/Broadway; and Exit 13, Grant Street. Photo by AARoads (09/02/05).
Exit signage along Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road westbound approaching the northern terminus. The capital city of Indianapolis can be found 139 miles to the southeast. Photo by AARoads (09/02/05).
This is the half-mile warning sign for Exit 17, Junction Interstate 65 and U.S. 12-20 along westbound Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road. Photo by AARoads (09/02/05).
Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road westbound at Exit 17 for the northern terminus of Interstate 65 and U.S. 12/20. Incidentally, there are separate ramps from U.S. 12/20 to Interstate 90 from those of Interstate 65. From westbound U.S. 12/20, motorists pass by the Interstate 65 intersection and under Interstate 90 to a direct connection to the Indiana Toll road. Photo taken by AARoads (09/02/05).
Perspective from Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road east
There are three interchanges along the Indiana Toll Road that serve the city of Gary. This upcoming exits sign features all three, of which include the northern terminal interchange of Interstate 65 in 4.50 miles. Photo taken by Chris Patriarca (05/26/03).
Now within 2.50 miles of the north end of Interstate 65, this upcoming exits sign includes Exit 21, the merge of Interstate 80 onto the Indiana Toll Road at Lake Station. Photo taken by Chris Patriarca (05/26/03).
One mile guide signage for Exit 17/Interstate 65/U.S. 12/20 on Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road eastbound. Photo taken by Don Hargraves (09/23/02).
A closer look at the one mile overhead for Exit 17 on Interstate 90 eastbound. This ramp features a connection to the nearby U.S. 12/20 overlap to the north. Photo taken by Chris Patriarca (05/26/03).
One half mile from Exit 17/Interstate 65 on Interstate 90 east. U.S. 12/20 share a short overlap through the Interstate 65/Interstate 90 confluence. Otherwise the two highways part ways with U.S. 12 taking a northerly route through East Chicago, Gary, Portage, Burns Harbor as U.S. 20 parallels a short distance to the south. Photo taken by Chris Patriarca (05/26/03).
Exit 17 of the Indiana Toll Road departs Interstate 90 eastbound. A toll plaza is just ahead. Beyond that barrier, the ramp splits into Interstate 65 and U.S. 12/20 branches. Photo taken by Don Hargraves (09/23/02).
Second perspective of Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road eastbound at Exit 17. The next interchange is in four miles at Interstate 94, U.S. 6, and Indiana 51. At that point Interstate 94 turns northeasterly toward Grand Rapids, Michigan as Interstate 80 links with Interstate 90 and continues east toward South Bend and Toledo, Ohio. Photo taken by Chris Patriarca (05/26/03).
Next, we look at the northern terminus from the completed ramp that connects Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road to Interstate 65 southbound and 15th Avenue (Exit 261). The next photobox shows the older configuration back when this interchange was a signalized intersection. Photo taken by Dave Sudhoff (05/21/05).
After departing from the Indiana Toll Road, traffic is offered the choice of continuing straight to U.S. 12/20 or exiting to the right for Interstate 65 southbound. Traffic for Interstate 65 will travel a small distance to a sharp turn before descending underneath two sets of bridges -- one this roadway, the other Interstate 90. At the end of the ramp was a traffic light, where a left-turn takes motorists to Interstate 65's southbound beginning. The ramp for Interstate 90 from U.S. 12/20 eastbound lies behind these photos and goes over the roadway on its own bridge. Photo taken by Don Hargraves (09/23/02).
Footnotes:
Larry Cody, email: "I-65 Terminus in Mobile Al," August 15, 2003
Welcome to "86" Interstate 64 - site that proposes the removal (i.e., "86") of Interstate 64 from the downtown Louisville waterfront just west of Interstate 65 in front of downtown (by Tyler Allen and J.C. Stites)
