Indianapolis, In.— Indiana governor Eric Holcomb and department of transportation commissioner Joe McGuinness shared a five year plan for infrastructure improvements using funds generated from newly passed legislation.
Under the “Next Level Roads Initiative” the state will spend $4.7 billion to preserve existing roads, finish current projects and invest in the transportation system over the next five years. Nearly 10,000 lane miles of roads and 1,300 bridges will be repaired or replaced.
“Our transportation network of roads and bridges plays a major part in Indiana’s success story both now and in the future,” Gov. Holcomb said. “With a fully-funded plan in place for the next 20 years, Hoosiers can rest assured that Indiana will remain the Crossroads of America for generations to come. I thank our lawmakers for their committed leadership to make this possible, and I commend INDOT for working hard to identify key projects so that we could be ready to roll with this five-year plan so quickly.”
“This much-needed and massive investment means there will be many road construction zones, slower traffic, and orange cones and barrels in every part of our state,” said INDOT Commissioner McGuinness. “I encourage Hoosiers and visitors to plan alternate routes and be mindful of work-zone safety precautions. The long-term benefits gained in safety, mobility and growth outweigh the short-term inconveniences, because the results will be reduced congestion, smooth highways, improved safety, and better roads and bridges across Indiana—for residents and visitors alike.”
State representative and Batesville High School alumni, Randy Frye said, “It is great to see that more than $200 million is being invested in local road and bridge improvements in our area. Over the next five years, we will be resurfacing crumbling roads, installing traffic signals and rehabilitating bridges. This local funding ensures that our communities are included in our effort to take our state to the ‘next level’ while making Hoosier safety a priority.”
Dearborn County will receive more than $53 million, Jefferson County will receive nearly $12.5 million, Jennings County will receive nearly $5 million, Ohio County will receive more than $15.5 million, and Switzerland County will receive nearly $18.5 million.
State representative Cindy Ziemke (R-Batesville) released the following statement:
“Thanks to the long-term, responsible road funding package passed by the legislature this session, Hoosiers will start seeing noticeable improvements in our statewide and local infrastructure. With more than $120 million going to Decatur, Fayette, Franklin, Ripley and Rush counties over the next five years, over 230 miles of roads will be resurfaced and 32 bridges will be rehabilitated in our area. This significant investment in our roads and bridges will continue to strengthen our economy and encourage more businesses to locate and grow here.”
In Ripley County the state will invest more than $79 million, pave 93 lane miles and repair or replace 11 bridges. Full project details are here:
The state will direct more than $14 million to Franklin County as part of the program. About 24 million lane miles will be paved and 9 bridges will be replaced or repaired. Full project details are here:
In Decatur County more than $18 million will be spent over the five year period. About 75 lane miles will paved and 5 bridges will be repaired or replaced. Full project details are here:
