Indiana's "highway network" started out as a series of dirt paths, which settlers created for local travel.

The first Indiana legislative step toward establishing a state highway commission that would meet the requirements for federal road grants was taken on March 7, 1917.

Then, again in 1941, the commission was made a four‑member, bi‑partisan body, serving on a full‑time basis; with one member designated as chairman and administrative head of operations.

The commission was required to take over a sufficient mileage of roads by April 1, 1920, to reach every county seat.

In its annual report for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1920, the selection of the State Highway System had been sufficiently completed and approved by the Governor to comply with the section of the law requiring a state‑road connection with every county seat.

This relieved the county and township authorities of the expense of maintaining many of the roads carrying the rapidly developing traffic of motor vehicles.

This commission's task was to create a highway network that would connect every county seat and every town with a population more than 5,000.

In late 2005, Governor Mitch Daniels launched an aggressive 10-year, $10 billion transportation plan, known as "Major Moves," to significantly improve and expand Indiana's highway infrastructure.

In addition to the Major Moves plan fund, INDOT benefited from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

Finally, no additional debt or increase in taxes has been incurred to complete Major Moves projects.