I-69 exit numbering to change by year-end

INDOT scheduled a public hearing Thursday morning to discuss upcoming changes to the exit numbers on I-69.

Every exit on the northern part of I-69, from Indianapolis to the Michigan border, will have 200 added to it.  

For example, exit 5 will become 205; exit 10 will become 210, and so on.  

The first new exit signs are going up in early August and the project should be completed by October, INDOT said.  The current and soon-to-be old exit numbers will remain on the new signs for between three and five years to help lessen confusion among commuters.  

INDOT said that would also give businesses enough time to use up any documents printed that provide directions to potential customers.

An INDOT Spokesperson told Fox59 News that it must renumber the exits in order to comply with federal regulations.

Interstates must be numbered from south to north and west to east. With the newly constructed southern portion of the I-69 corridor scheduled to open by the end of 2012, INDOT said it had to renumber the northern part before it opened.

Some commuters were worried about getting confused, but said they would adjust in time.

"Well, if that's what they gotta do, I guess that's what they gotta do," commuter Bill Griffey said.  "...can't change progress."

The public hearing is scheduled for 8 a.m. at the Fishers Train Station Meeting Room at 11601 Municipal Drive.  

INDOT said it plans to hold meetings in each county affected by the renumbering plan.