Drivers in northeast Indianapolis should prepare for significant ramp and lane closures this Friday as crews with the Indiana Department of Transportation shift traffic as part of the Clear Path Project at the I-465 and I-69 interchange.

State highway officials said closures will begin Friday morning, Jan. 16, to allow traffic to be moved onto a new ramp and bridge connecting southbound I-69 to southbound I-465. The work marks a major milestone in the ongoing reconstruction of the interchange.

During daytime hours Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the ramp from 82nd Street to southbound I-465 will be closed. At the same time, the ramp from southbound I-69 to southbound I-465 will be reduced to one lane. All ramps and lanes are scheduled to reopen between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday to accommodate evening traffic.

Overnight closures will follow from 9 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday. During that period, the ramp from southbound I-69 to southbound I-465 will be fully closed, along with the ramp from 82nd Street to southbound I-465.

Transportation officials said the new ramp and bridge are expected to open early Saturday morning, Jan. 17, once overnight work is complete.

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate routes to avoid delays during the closures. Officials emphasized that the schedule is weather dependent and could change if inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances occur.