SR 46 merges onto the new freeway at this intersection and the two highways run concurrently as they curve north to meet I-70.

A feasibility assessment was conducted in December 1990, and the project was included in the Indiana State Highway Improvement Program on August 29, 1991.

[2] The project was developed to shorten travel times between US 41 and I-70, and avoid traffic congestion in central Terre Haute.

The new freeway reduces travel distance by 3.0 miles (4.8 km) and bypass eleven stoplights.

Construction on these two phases had a target completion date of late 2016,[5] and the full bypass opened on January 20, 2017.