US 31 Hamilton County Project Moves Forward
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2009
From the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)
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US 31 Hamilton County Project Moves Forward
INDOT Receives Record of Decision from Federal Highway Administration
INDIANAPOLIS – The planned upgrades to US 31 in Hamilton County took another step forward today (Wednesday, Feb. 11) as the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) received a Record of Decision (ROD) from the Federal Highway Administration (FWHA).
The decision allows INDOT to proceed with the design and land acquisition for the corridor that extends 13 miles from I-465 north to State Road 38 (SR 38). Construction is anticipated to begin in 2011.
“This is an exciting day for us,” said Karl B. Browning, commissioner, INDOT, “because the record of decision represents a significant step for this high priority transportation project of Gov. Mitch Daniels’ administration. It would not have been possible without funding through the Major Moves program.”
Browning added that upgrading US 31 to freeway standards will not only reduce congestion, but also improve safety on this heavily traveled corridor.
The record of decision follows the FHWA’s approval of the Federal Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on Dec. 1, 2008.
The environmental impact statement identifies the potential effects of the proposed project on the corridor. It also includes updated information and evaluations of natural and cultural resources protected by the Department of Transportation Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. Resources protected by these federal laws include things such as publicly owned parks, recreational or wildlife areas, and land associated with historic sites of national, state or local significance.
The project will include ten new interchanges in Hamilton County on US 31 at I-465, 106th St., 116th St., 131st St., 136th St., 146th/151st St., 161st St., SR 32, 191st St. and SR 38.
Beyond Hamilton County, there will be improvements on US 31 in Kokomo and from Plymouth to South Bend.
The ROD and FEIS can be found on the US 31 Hamilton County Web site, www.US31HamiltonCounty.in.gov beginning Friday, Feb. 13.
Copies of the document will be available for review beginning Friday, Feb. 13 at:
- Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel
- Carmel/Clay Public Library, 55 4th Avenue Southeast, Carmel
- Hamilton East Public Library: Noblesville Branch, One Library Plaza, Noblesville
- Westfield Public Library, 333 West Hoover St., Westfield
- Westfield Town Hall, 130 Penn St., Westfield, and
- INDOT, Indiana Government Center, 100 North Senate Avenue, Room N642, Indianapolis
This project is part of Gov. Mitch Daniels’ Major Moves highway program. Major Moves capitalizes on Indiana’s strategic location at the Crossroads of America by building a superior road infrastructure. This innovative plan will bring jobs to the Hoosier State and leave a legacy for Indiana to be a global leader in distribution and logistics.
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Media Contacts:
Will Wingfield, INDOT/Greenfield District, (317) 467-3910, wwingfield@indot.in.gov
Ashley Hungate, INDOT/Greenfield District, (317) 467-3479, ahungate@indot.in.gov
Jennifer Dzwonar, Borshoff, (317) 631-6400 or mobile (317) 698-8228, jennifer.dzwonar@borshoff.biz
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