US 31 Major Moves Funding Shift and Other Project Updates

The US 31 Major Move project continues to progress despite some economy-related setbacks in 2009. The information below briefly highlights information featured in the last Major Moves newsletter. More information on each of the topics below is available at www.us31hamiltoncounty.in.us.

Funding
Recent changes to long-term funding schedules have been implemented to keep the US 31 Major Moves project on track. Governor Daniels confirmed in mid-January that combined Major Moves and State funding will guarantee that the project is fully funded through its completion in 2018. The total investment in the corridor is expected to exceed $1 billion.

Right of Way Acquisitions
INDOT has already purchased five properties and is in the process of appraising and/or buying approximately 40 more properties. By the project's completion, approximately 300 more properties will have been purchased (either in full or in part). If you are a property owner in a potentially affected area, it is important to familiarize yourself with the State's Land Acquisition process and Major Moves project schedule.

Design Updates
A number of necessary design changes have been made since the Final Environmental Impact Statement was released in 2008. Some changes include a smaller footprint option for the I-465 interchange, making 151st Street an underpass, and altering 191st Street from a diamond interchange to incorporate a roundabout alternative as well. These are just a few of the many design updates that have been implemented since 12/08.

Public Outreach
In 2009 alone, more than 35 meetings were held with developers, stakeholders and city officials in Carmel and Westfield. Meeting dates for potentially affected property owners are being held in the spring of 2010, in addition to a large public open house scheduled for this spring.