The Indiana Department of Transportation is asking for Hoosiers’ input as it begins a streamlined planning process along the U.S. 30 and U.S. 31 corridors in northern Indiana. The ProPEL U.S. 30 and ProPEL U.S. 31 studies will use a collaborative approach to consider environmental, community and economic goals early in project development.
The two-year studies will follow the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) process used by transportation agencies, such as INDOT, to assess innovative ways to address transportation challenges and needs. PEL studies allow INDOT to interact with communities as they share ideas and feedback related to long-term solutions on U.S. 30 and U.S. 31.
The process includes development of alternatives that balance input from the community with transportation engineering needs and environmental concerns. The information, analysis and decisions made during the PEL process can be leveraged in later phases of project development, including the environmental review process based on requirements established in the National Environmental Policy Act.
The studies span 180 miles across 12 counties and includes U.S. 30 from Valparaiso to the Indiana/Ohio state line (excluding the Fort Wayne bypass), as well as U.S. 31 between Hamilton County and Plymouth (excluding the Kokomo bypass). Counties within the study area include Allen, Fulton, Hamilton, Howard, Kosciusko, LaPorte, Marshall, Miami, Porter, Starke, Tipton and Whitley Counties.
Anticipated completion of ProPEL U.S. 30 and ProPEL U.S. 31 is in fall of 2024. With community support, each study will identify a range of alternatives, including a no-build alternative for each corridor.
Information Gathering
The PEL studies will be collaborative, data-driven and influenced by the public’s ideas. Throughout the process, INDOT will invite input from communities along the corridor to identify what needs and concerns should be addressed by future improvements. With help from residents, motorists, businesses and other road users, INDOT can build infrastructure that will better serve Hoosiers. The studies will gather questions, concerns and ideas through a variety of means, including project websites, social media, and in-person and virtual public information meetings.
The first round of public meetings are planned for this fall. More information about each meeting will be available at a later date.
ProPEL U.S. 30 and ProPEL U.S. 31 are about what is possible. Together we will look at transportation challenges and needs, and work together to identify solutions that will enhance safety, mobility and economic development along each corridor. INDOT will evaluate the public’s suggestions to provide recommendations using engineering, environmental, economic and community factors.
Once the studies are complete and funding is identified for projects, INDOT will move into the next phases of development using the feedback and alternatives gathered during the PEL process.
For more information on each study, and to share ideas, visit the project websites listed below (live by end of day on Friday, August 26).
ProPEL U.S. 30: ProPELUS30.com
ProPEL U.S. 31: ProPELUS31.com