By State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg)
Batesville, IN—Indiana is the Crossroads of America. In 2019, we ranked No. 1 for infrastructure in CNBC’s “Top States for Business,” but to ensure we remain a national economic competitor, we must improve how we plan and execute infrastructure repairs.
In recent weeks,the office has received concerns from dozens of constituents frustrated by the planning, communication, and execution of construction projects in Senate District 42.
To begin addressing these concerns, Rep. Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville) and I met with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) last week. In our meeting, I asked them for an explanation regarding all of the rest stop and exit closures in our community. I also questioned the number of traffic barrels placed along stretches of highways where there is no construction.
With rest stops and exits closed, roadways in our part of the state have become very difficult to navigate. Such decisions by INDOT have created delays with stretches of highway overwhelmed with hazards.
I empathize with your frustrations and will continue to work with INDOT to address your concerns. I encourage constituents that have been and/or are currently frustrated with INDOT to contact them by phone at 855-INDOT4U (463-6848) or by completing an online form at INDOT4U.com – doing so will provide the agency with a deeper understanding of what our district is up against.
I know construction is often frustrating to navigate, but I encourage local residents to remain patient with construction efforts and to be attentive when traveling through this area. With inclement weather approaching, construction efforts are expected to slow.
As always, I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding this topic or others that I can address at [email protected] or by calling 800-382-9467.
