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Feb
26
Spring Will Soon Be Here!
Filed Under Gary Indiana, I-65, I-94, road construction | 1 Comment
Despite the snow on the ground today, motorists all over the area know that spring is almost here.
How can motorists tell? Road work season is getting geared up for 2008.
Some people look for flowers to herald the return of warmer and sunnier temperatures. People in Northwest Indiana and Chicago look for road construction projects.
Road construction projects are already causing jams in the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana. Driving north on I-65 near the I-94 interchange confirms this.
A new lane configuration just went into effect on the Tri-State causing traffic to back up yesterday all the way from Half Day Road to the I-290 & I-294 interchange. Other roadwork projects can be spotted on various expressways throughout the area.
Get ready for the same in Northwest Indiana as road construction on I-65 will cause major detours for motorists wanting to drive north and south around the 15th Avenue area in Gary.
At least it means that winter is giving way to spring.
From INDOT’s I-65 detours page:
For nine months beginning March 1, a portion of I-65 and some ramps are closed. The closure will allow construction to finish in half the time, as well as increase safety for the traveling public and construction workers. Access to businesses on 15th Avenue will remain open. Access to I-65 from 15th Avenue will remain closed during construction. The ramps from northbound I-65 to eastbound or westbound I-80/94, and the ramp from eastbound I-80/94 to southbound I-65 will remain open.
Feb
7
Crown Point To Buy Property For I-65 & 109th St. Exit
Filed Under Lake County, Porter County, road construction, transportation | 1 Comment
Crown Point officials will start talks with property owners near I-65 and 109th Street as the project to build a new interchange moves forward after receiving a “no significant impact” finding from the U.S Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration, reports Carmen McCollum in the Northwest Indiana Times.
City officials said they will begin talking to property owners this week regarding land acquisition for the planned Interstate 65/109th Avenue interchange.
City officials received word late last week that it received a finding of “no significant impact” from the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, representing a $10 million investment secured by Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., the mayor’s office reported.
The interchange project, estimated at $17.7 million, will have a major impact on Crown Point and nearby communities, providing a straight shot from I-65 into Porter County and bypassing the congestion of U.S. 30, proponents of the plan have said.
City Engineer Bill Meeks said the city will need to acquire between 20 and 26 acres of land, affecting about 12 property owners.
I like the idea of this new interchange and am looking forward to the economic benefits it promises to bring the community.
It will be interesting to see how the no-growth officials in Porter County react to the news that the project is moving along since it promises to provide an alternative route into Porter County for many of that county’s residents.
