Gov. Mike Pence announced plans today for the next generation of highway expansion that could affect Delaware County.
Pence ordered the State Budget Agency to release funding for the Major Moves 2020 highway construction program. Initial investments for the plan to expand highways are expected to be about $400 million.
“Roads mean jobs, and Major Moves 2020 will improve Indiana’s transportation infrastructure to enhance our position as the Crossroads of America,” Pence said in a press release.
The program aims to put Hoosiers to work and expand Indiana’s highway system.
Legislation signed into law last week would allow a transfer of $200 million for the program with focus on expanding heavily traveled, four-lane interstates.
The $200 million expansion projects will include bids for contracts:
- I-65 between State Road 44 near Franklin and Southport Road in Indianapolis
- I-65 in the Lafayette area from State Road 38 to State Road 26
If money is available, the construction project could affect Delaware County in the summer of 2015, said Harry Maginity, Indiana Department of Transportation media relations director for the Delaware County area.
He said I-65 south of Indianapolis and Lafayette will start design-build contracts. However, plans for I-69 from State Road 37 at Fishers to State Road 13 in Marion County are currently on hold.
He echoed House Speaker Brian Bosma, who said the transfer of funds from the SBA could lead to a federal matching of funds.
“I can’t say for certain it will happen, but they could match every dollar we spend with five," he said.
The projects for interstate roads not affecting Delaware County has begun the design phase, which will complete sometime in the summer. Following design, a contractor will be named and construction will begin.
Construction can be expected start within the year on these projects and traffic delays are to be expected, Maginity said.
“Until design is finalized, all I can say it that it will bring down traffic to a single lane,” he said.
For Delaware County, construction would probably extend into 2016, he said. For now, it is on hold.
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