Gov. Mike Braun and the Indiana Department of Transportation announced on May 22 that they are urging Hoosiers to plan ahead for increased traffic during Memorial Day weekend, as AAA predicts at least 45 million people will travel in the U.S., including more than 960,000 from Indiana.
“This coming weekend, state highways and interstates will be very busy with regular holiday travel and extra traffic heading to and from Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 500,” Gov. Mike Braun said. “I encourage everyone to allow plenty of time, plan their routes in advance, and drive safely to their destinations.”
Beginning at noon on Friday, May 22, INDOT will lift existing road closures and restrictions on state highways, U.S. routes, and interstates where it is safe to do so. Longer-term closures for ongoing construction projects will remain in place. Construction and maintenance activities by INDOT are scheduled to resume Tuesday morning, May 26. Drivers are encouraged to visit 511in.org or use the INDOT TrafficWise app for current information about closures and restrictions.
“With construction and maintenance season in full swing, INDOT is doing what we can in terms of alleviating congestion where possible,” Commissioner Lyndsay Quist said. “In addition to planning ahead, remember to buckle up, put the phone down, follow posted construction signs and speed limits, and don’t drive impaired. We want everyone to stay safe this holiday weekend.”
The department highlights that while just under seven percent of Indiana drivers do not wear seatbelts, they account for 45% of passenger car fatalities; texting while driving increases crash risk by 50%. The Buckle Up Phone Down initiative encourages all drivers and passengers to buckle up every trip and avoid using phones while driving.
INDOT also notes that with over 1,000 construction projects planned in 2026 across Indiana’s highways—and most work zone injuries involving drivers or passengers—motorists should slow down in work zones and avoid distractions. During the holiday period in 2024 so far, alcohol-impaired drivers were involved in 38% of fatal crashes compared with a yearly average of 30%, according to the National Safety Council cited by INDOT.
The Hoosier Helper Safety Service Patrol will be active Sunday, May 24, and Monday, May 25 around Indianapolis providing assistance such as traffic control at crash sites or limited roadside help like tire changes. Since its inception in 1991, Hoosier Helpers have assisted more than 400,000 motorists statewide.
Motorists can monitor real-time road conditions via Facebook (@indianadepartmentoftransportation), X (@INDOT), TrafficWise (511in.org), or mobile apps available through iTunes App Store or Google Play store for Android devices.
More details about these initiatives are available at the organization’s press release.
