Interstate 465 Bikeway

Technical Description:

• Span: 16 ft
• Rise: 11 ft
• Length: 216 ft

The Indiana Department of Transportation recently replaced an abandoned railroad bridge with a CON/SPAN^® pedestrian tunnel under heavily traveled Interstate 465. To simplify maintenance of traffic on I-465, the CON/SPAN^® structure was installed under the existing bridge, then backfilled after a two-stage removal of the railroad bridge. During this time, I-465 traffic was diverted to one side as removal occurred on the other.

Faced with these unique installation challenges that hindered the use of a crane, Contech Engineered Solutions worked with INDOT to find a solution. The units were pushed into place horizontally using an industrial-sized forklift truck. After completing the installation, 20 feet of backfill was placed over the structure to complete the project. Part of the Rails-to-Trails program under the charge of the Indianapolis Greenways Commission, this project is one of many ongoing tunnel developments under Indiana’s interstate highways.

Technical Description:

• Span: 16 ft
• Rise: 11 ft
• Length: 216 ft