April 15, 2009

Record of Decision

On February 11, 2009, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved the Record of Decision (ROD) for the 13-mile corridor upgrade stretching from I-465 to SR 38. The ROD is a determination by FHWA that the project has passed the environmental review process. It allows INDOT to proceed with final design, land acquisition and permitting. In 2009, preliminary design of the entire corridor is expected to be complete.

Construction Sequencing

Receiving the ROD allowed the project team to begin developing a construction sequencing plan for the corridor. The construction sequencing plan, as it is currently drafted, calls for an eight-year construction duration that will start in 2011 and end in 2018. Criteria used to develop the construction sequencing plan included:

• Mobility through the corridor
• Minimizing local impacts (local projects and emergency responders have been considered)
• Contract sizing
• Allowing for east-west cross flow
• Fiscal budget constraints; a finite amount available for each year of construction
• Constructability
• Operational independence (ensuring the corridor is usable if at any point construction stopped)

The New US 31 Hamilton County corridor will be developed under approximately 16 separate construction contracts. The construction sequencing plan is subject to change depending on the variables listed above.

The interchanges at SR 38 and 146th-151st streets are moving toward final design. As final design progresses, right-of-way needs along the corridor will be more accurately identified.

Acquiring the necessary land to make the New US 31 Hamilton County possible is an important part of this project and will impact area residents and business owners throughout Hamilton County. INDOT and the design team are committed to keeping all affected parties and stakeholders informed as the project moves forward. Open houses specific to each area of the project will be scheduled throughout the project to enable interested parties to review the latest plans and talk one-on-one with INDOT representatives and members of the design team.

Please refer to the diagram to learn more abut construction sequencing timing in your area.

Note: This construction sequencing plan is subject to change as the project develops.

Land Acquisition

Land acquisition is scheduled to begin in late 2009 and continue through 2015. Once INDOT and the design team determine the property needs (right of way), affected landowners will be contacted by an INDOT representative approximately two years before construction begins in their particular area. The land acquisition process for each property is based on the complexities of the purchase, and can take anywhere from 9-24 months to complete.

Because INDOT uses public money to acquire property, it can purchase only land needed for the project. This often results in a long time period from a project’s inception to the time that property is identified and property owners are notified. A property owner’s first contact about purchasing land will be by an Indiana Certified Real Estate Appraiser who will make an appointment to view and inspect the property to begin the acquisition process. The value of the parcels to be acquired is based on fair market value.

The acquisition method is regulated by FHWA, in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (Uniform Act) in compliance with current federal and state regulations. If a portion of a property is required, an offer will be extended to purchase only that area necessary for construction. If a parcel loses all permanent access to a public roadway, INDOT will offer to purchase the entire property. However, the property owner may elect to retain any excess land.

Early acquisition opportunities and the order in which property is purchased are determined based on project design, availability of funding and construction sequencing.

Due to federal funding requirements, 4(f)-designated properties such as parks and schools must be avoided. Thus, the roadway design in some areas will mandate which businesses and residences will be acquired to accommodate the roadway and avoid the 4(f) properties.

Definition of 4(f) properties:
The Department of Transportation Act (DOT Act) of 1966 included a special provision - Section 4(f) - which stipulated that the FHWA and other DOT agencies cannot approve the acquisition of land for transportation projects from publicly owned parks, recreational areas, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, or public and private historical sites unless:

• There is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use of land.
• The action includes all possible planning to minimize harm to the property resulting from such use.

Please refer to the diagram to learn more about land acquisition timing in your area.

Note: This right of way acquisition plan is subject to change as the project develops.

Compensation

INDOT complies with the Uniform Act when purchasing right of way for its projects. There is no compensation unless the property is located within the right of way or reasonable access to the property cannot be maintained.

Questions?

For questions pertaining to land acquisition for this project, please contact us through the Web site, US31HamiltonCounty.in.gov, or contact:

• Pankaj Desai, pdesai@indot.in.gov, (317) 232-5214
• Annette Cousert, acousert@indot.in.gov, (317) 234-3534
• Fred Benge, fbenge@rwa.com, (317) 780-7121