Bridge painting in progress on I-65 in Shelby County

SHELBY CO. —  Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Three Start Painting Inc. began work late last week to complete a $640,000 bridge painting contract on I-65 over the Big Blue River in Shelby County. 

Traffic is shifted to the outside lane and shoulder of I-65 near MM 82. Crews are currently working on the southbound bridge and will move to the northbound bridge later this spring/summer. A reduced speed limit of 55 mph is in place. The contract was awarded in October 2021 and is expected to be complete by the end of July.

INDOT reminds drivers to use extra caution, avoid distractions, and consider worker safety when traveling through active construction zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.

Painting is one of many preservation techniques utilized by INDOT to extend the life of bridge structures. Prior to painting, beams and other components are sandblasted to remove existing rust and the new coat of paint acts as a sealant to protect from water, salt and other factors that may cause corrosion.