Taking the wheel

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GREENFIELD — State transportation officials could invest as much as $3.6 million in road projects in Hancock County in the next four years, and they want residents to help set the agenda.

The Indiana Department of Transportation has published a list of proposed projects for residents to weigh in on as state leaders weigh which areas need attention soonest.

On the list are six projects on roads and streets in Hancock County, including bridge work, improvements to various intersections and the installation of new stoplights and flashers at busy intersections.

Statewide, projects focus on rehabbing bridges, improving intersections, resurfacing roadways and building bicycle and walking paths.

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In order for INDOT to use federal funding to improve highways and interstates across the state, the department must submit a four-year plan to federal highway officials, detailing where the money is going.

Now, the department is seeking input from the drivers who know which of their roads needs an update. Whether residents support a project on the list or think an area not included in the proposal needs a little TLC, INDOT wants to hear from them, officials say.

INDOT will accept public comment through May 1, and input can be submitted through email, the mail and on INDOT’s website. The plan (which can be viewed by visiting in.gov/indot/3132.htm) won’t be final until the Federal Highway Administration OKs it, said INDOT spokesman Nathan Riggs. That likely won’t happen until July, he said.

Resident input enables the department to more effectively identify projects that will enhance safety and improve Indiana’s transportation system, a news release states.

When narrowing down the options to include the six potential projects, the department considered input from local officials, as well as various factors including the condition of the road or bridge, whether it can be easily traveled and whether there are any immediate safety concerns.

The most expensive local project on the list is replacing the Fortville Pike bridge over Interstate 70. Work would begin next year and is estimated to cost more than $2 million, according to the plan. About 1,900 cars pass on the road between county roads 200N and 300N daily, traffic counts show.

Other local projects being considered are:

  • Improving the intersection of County Road 500W (Gem Road) and U.S. 52. Estimated to cost about $433,500, the project would include adding turn lanes to U.S. 52. The work on the highway, on which some 7,000 cars drive daily near the county road intersection, is slated for 2019.
  • Replacing the U.S. 52 bridge over west Little Sugar Creek between county roads 100W and 200W. The project, scheduled for 2019, is expected to cost roughly $683,600.
  • Installing a new traffic signal on U.S. 36 at State Road 13 in 2018. The project is expected to cost about $201,000.
  • Installing a new flasher at State Road 234 and Fortville Pike in 2019 for about $38,000.
  • Improving the intersection of U.S. 36 and Mt. Comfort Road is slated for 2021. The project is estimated to cost roughly $689,000. Some 11,000 drivers travel on the road every day.

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The Indiana Department of Transportation seeks public comment on projects the department will undertake the next four years to improve roadways across the state. INDOT will accept comments through May 1.

Residents can view the plan by visiting in.gov/indot/3132.htm.

To submit input for INDOT officials to consider, submit an online comment by visiting in.gov/indot/3132.htm.

Or residents may email comments to [email protected].

To send input by mail, address a letter to Michael McNeil, INDOT statewide transportation improvement program director, 100 N. Senate Ave., IGCN 955, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

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The Indiana Department of Transportation has published a road improvement plan for the next four years, detailing construction projects across the state that will be funded with federal dollars.

Six local projects are included.

2018:

  • Replacing the Fortville Pike bridge over Interstate 70
  • Installing a new traffic signal on U.S. 36 at State Road 13.

2019:

  • Improving the County Road 500W and U.S. 52 intersection
  • Replacing the bridge over West Little Sugar Creek on U.S. 52 between county roads 100W and 200W.
  • Installing a new flasher at State Road 234 and Fortville Pike

2021:

  • Improving the intersection of U.S. 36 and Mt. Comfort Road.

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