Hoosier Heartland Highway Progress Continues

LOGANSPOST, IN - Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Karl Browning announced last Friday, September 21, that right-of-way acquisition for the Hoosier Heartland Highway might still begin this year. Browning also said that all four segments should see right-of-way acquisition in early 2008.

Senator Tom Weatherwax (R-Logansport) and Senator Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) said it was a landmark announcement on an historic occasion. Browning’s remarks came during a luncheon celebration of the 25th annual meeting of the Hoosier Heartland Industrial Corridor, Inc.

“It might not be visible to residents as they drive along State Road 25, but the last two years have been very busy ones for the INDOT staff and road designers who are working on this project,” Weatherwax said. “This highway is going to be built.”

Browning’s remarks were made to a crowd of approximately 145 people at the Ramada Inn. They were greeted enthusiastically by a cross-section of state and county elected officials, as well as representatives for U.S. Sens. Richard Lugar and Evan Bayh along with U.S. Reps. Steve Buyer and Joe Donnelly.

“Legislators on both sides of the aisle have cooperated to fund this crucial new highway,” said Hershman, the Indiana Senate’s Majority Whip. “The new State Road 25 will be a four-lane divided highway providing important safety and economic development opportunities to the Wabash River corridor. INDOT has committed millions of dollars and thousands of man-hours getting ready for the construction start of this highway project.”

 “Major Moves” – a project that leased the Indiana Toll Road to a private consortium in 2006 – is earning approximately $500,000 in interest per day. To date, state figures show the Major Moves account has generated more than $200 million in interest that will eventually be directed toward transportation projects.

 “Major Moves is driving progress,” Weatherwax said. “The governor’s innovative plan is laying the foundation for a bright future in our area.”

The highway project is part of the planned Heartland Industrial Corridor improvement from Lafayette, Ind., to Toldeo, Ohio – a distance of approximately 200 miles. It will complete the 99-mile portion of the corridor from Lafayette to Fort Wayne.

Today’s announcement involves one of the final segments of the Hoosier Heartland Highway. The segment begins just east of I-65 in Lafayette and extends approximately 35 miles northeast to the multi-lane section of U.S. 24/U.S. 35, just east of Ind. 29 in Logansport. This link will provide a continuous multi-lane highway from Lafayette to Fort Wayne, connecting I-65 and I-69.

“Our goal has been to provide greater access to education and safer mobility throughout the region,” Weatherwax said. “This major project will also bring jobs to the communities along the corridor, making it possible for future generations to stay within their communities.”

Friday’s announcement culminated a project that has taken 25 years and involved 12 members of U.S. Congress, four members of the U.S. Senate and four Indiana governors.

Public meetings on the project are scheduled later this month. Weatherwax urged area residents to watch their local media for more details.

 Source: Senate Majority Communications Department Press Release

Technorati Tags: News Brandt Hershman Hoosier Heartland Highway I 65 I 69 I65 I69 IDOT Indiana Department of Transportation Indiana Toll Road INDOT Karl Browning Major Moves Politics Senator Brandt Hershman Senator Tom Weatherwax Tom Weatherwax Transportation

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