Washington Street is Indianapolis's main east-west street. It follows the old National Road, the first federally funded road planned across the country, and it runs right through downtown past the south side of the Statehouse. Around Indianapolis, the US 40 signs now follow I-465, so most locals just call it Washington Street.
What makes Washington Street tough right now
- Blue Line construction. IndyGo is building its Blue Line rapid-transit route along Washington Street, with construction running into 2028 and service planned to start in late 2028. Sections close, go one-way or shift lanes as the work moves along the corridor.
- Closures and detours. IndyGo's own updates list closures on the west side between Rockville Road and Belmont Avenue, and on the near east side between Southeastern and State avenues. Detours push traffic onto side streets that aren't used to it.
- Changing lane layouts. The finished line will have stations in the median, transit-only lanes and signal priority at busy intersections. During the build, drivers meet new curbs, new signals and moved crosswalks.
- Constant turning traffic. Businesses and driveways line long stretches of the street, so cars slow and turn across lanes all day.
- Downtown traffic near the Statehouse and the City-County Building.
Who handles crashes on Washington Street
Inside Indianapolis, usually IMPD. Near the I-465 interchanges, the Indiana State Police may respond. The agency on your report decides where you request a copy. See getting a crash report.
If you're hurt on Washington Street
- Call 911 and get checked out, even if you feel all right.
- Note the nearest cross street and whether you were in a work zone, a detour, or a lane that was shifted.
- Take photos of cones, barrels, signs and lane markings. Work zones change quickly, and the setup may look different a week later.
- If a construction vehicle or a semi was involved, write down the company name on the truck. See truck accidents.
- Don't give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer before you understand your options. See dealing with insurance adjusters.
Nearby: Downtown Indianapolis · Marion County · I-465 · North Split · Car accidents · All roads · Fees
Call (317) 780-8000.
Sources
- IndyGo, Blue Line overview and timeline: www.indygo.net/blue-line/
- IndyGo, Blue Line construction detours (updated October 2026): www.indygo.net/blue-line/blue-line-construction-rider-detours-2-0/
- Encyclopedia of Indianapolis, National Road / Washington Street: indyencyclopedia.org/national-road-washington-street/
- Recreation.gov (U.S. DOT byway), Historic National Road in Indiana, US 40 follows I-465 around Indianapolis: www.recreation.gov/gateways/13694
- Library of Congress, Washington Street downtown corridor (HABS IN-266): www.loc.gov/item/in0382/