Local & Statewide News

Part of I-70 in eastern Indiana washed away by flood waters

WYSO | By Mike Frazier

Published August 12, 2026 at 11:54 PM EDT

A section of I-70 is buckled by flood water; the shoulder is missing, revealing water in its place. — Interstate 70 westbound traffic is being detoured around this section of the highway that was washed away by torrential rain. Officials say the closure is indefinite as they assess the situation.

A section of Interstate 70 westbound in Indiana is closed indefinitely after being washed away by flooding.

Indiana Department of Transportation said all westbound traffic on I-70 just east of the Centerville Road exit at mile marker 146 in Wayne County will be detoured around the damaged section. That detour will take traffic on U.S. 27, U.S. 36, Ohio 9, and back onto I-70.

The closed section of I-70 is about 9 miles west of the Ohio border.

Two lanes of I-70 buckled by flood waters underneath the road. The missing shoulder reveals the high water levels. — Officials say the section of westbound I-70 just before the Centerville Road exit at mile marker 146 will be closed indefinitely until the highway is repaired.

Eastbound traffic at that section of I-70 is open at this time.

The closure comes after torrential rainfall in eastern Indiana Wednesday. WTHR in Indianapolis estimates over 12 inches of rain fell in just two days in western Wayne County.

Officials warn people to never drive on a submerged road. It is impossible to determine the depth of the water and a vehicle can easily float away in only a few inches of water. Turn around, don't drown.