Indiana spent $46M per centerline mile on interstate construction in FY2026; INDOT cites inflation, complex projects

According to an Oct. 2, 2026 article in the Indiana Capital Chronicle, Indiana spent an average of $46 million to construct a centerline mile of interstate highway in the 2026 state fiscal year (which ended in June 2026), up nearly 450% from the $8.4 million average recorded in fiscal 2015.

The Capital Chronicle reported INDOT and industry sources attributing higher costs to inflation, material and equipment price increases (notably steel and concrete), supply‑chain shortages, pandemic impacts, competition from data‑center construction for materials and equipment, and complex projects such as Revive I‑70 in Wayne County and Safer Drive 65 in Scott and Clark counties. The Federal Highway Administration’s national highway construction cost index rose more than 60% from 2020 through 2025, the story said. The article also notes INDOT uses 20‑year asset management plans, project bundling, competitive bidding and alternative delivery to manage costs and traffic impacts.

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