INDIANA – Central Indiana commuters who have long felt the 55 miles-per-hour speed limit on Interstate 465 was too low will soon be able to drive faster legally. A provision tucked into a large road funding bill signed into law by Governor Mike Braun on the evening of Thursday, May 1st, will raise the speed limit on I-465 to 65 miles per hour, effective July 1st.
The ten-mile-per-hour increase was not part of the original House Bill 1461, now House Enrolled Act 1461, which primarily focused on other road-related issues such as tolling and the Community Crossings grant program. The Senate added the language regarding the I-465 speed limit as the bill progressed through that chamber, and the bill’s author, Republican Representative Jim Pressel of Rolling Prairie, ultimately agreed with the change.
The increase reflects a long-held sentiment among Hoosier drivers who felt the previous 55 mph limit was unrealistic. A few years prior, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) conducted a 13-day study on a northwest section of the interstate and found that 96% of drivers already exceeded the speed limit.
While the speed limit on the main lanes of I-465 will increase, drivers are reminded to remain vigilant and adhere to lower posted speed limits in construction zones. This is particularly important in areas like the ongoing I-465/I-69 construction zone on the northeast side of Indianapolis.
Furthermore, as of May 5th, stricter penalties will be in effect for speeding in work zones. A bill passed in 2023 allows INDOT to pilot speed camera programs in these areas, and drivers exceeding the posted speed limit by 11 miles per hour or more in work zones will face fines.
