Indiana Major Moves: US 31

Construction/Closure Info

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:01:32 -0600

Speed limit reduced

The speed limit on US 31 between Roosevelt and Madison roads has been reduced to 35 mph. In the coming months, traffic will also be restricted to one lane in each direction through the construction zone.

Click on the links below for details about each road or bridge closure.

See a list of all local roads and whether they will go over, under or stop at the New US 31. (PDF)

Visuals

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:13:32 -0500

Various visuals are available to give you a better understanding of how the New US 31 will look once complete. They include:

Cross sections
Before and after renderings:

Maps

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:38:55 -0500

Click on a green circle to view an enlargement of that sector.

Lines will be further refined as design in each area progresses.

You must have the flash plugin to view the email form.

E-newsletter

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:58:24 -0600

E-Newsletter

Do you want to stay informed? We will be sending out an e-newsletter with updates. Please complete the brief form below and have the latest news on construction timelines, events and more sent directly to your inbox.

View the past newsletters:

Community Advisory Committee

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 08:58:11 -0600

Community Advisory Committee

The New US 31 Plymouth to South Bend CAC met for the seventh and final time on May 25, 2010. The focus of the CAC meeting was to present updated design plans that were displayed at the public open house on June 22, 2010.

Click here to see the summary from the May 25, 2010, meeting.

Click here to see the summary from the March 22, 2010, meeting.

Click here to see the handout from the March 30, 2009, meeting.

Click here to see the summary and handouts from the Nov. 18, 2008, meeting.

Click here to see the summary from the Aug. 11, 2008, meeting.

Click here to see the summary from the April 7, 2008, meeting.

Click here to see the summary from the Dec. 12, 2007, meeting.

News

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 08:26:53 -0500

Two New Bridges On The Way For US 31 Project

March 8, 2012

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has awarded a Major Moves contract to construct two new bridges on the south side of South Bend, one on Jackson Road over US 31 and a second on Fellows Street over US 20. Rieth Riley Construction of South Bend was awarded the $13.1 million contract. Click the link below to view the full news release.

JacksonandFellowsbridgecontract.pdf

Contract Awarded for US 31 Work between Roosevelt and Kern Roads

May 13, 2011

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has awarded a Major Moves contract to construct new travel lanes between Roosevelt Road and just south of Kern Road in St. Joseph County as part of the new U.S. 31 project between South Bend and Plymouth. Rieth Riley Construction of South Bend was awarded the $6,082,708 contract. Click the link below to view the full news release.

US31_Roosevelt_to_Kern.pdf

INDOT awards $24.2 million contract for work between US 6 and SR 4

April 11, 2011

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has awarded a Major Moves contract to construct four bridges and new road alignment between U.S. 6 and State Road 4 as part of the new U.S. 31 project between South Bend and Plymouth. Walsh & Kelly, Inc. of Griffith was awarded the $24,172,168 contract.

Contract awarded for new phase of US 31 project.pdf

Speed limit update

To view news releases about specific construction projects, click here.

Public Records

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:41:05 -0500

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS - You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 6 or greater to view the PDF files available on this page. Older versions may not be able to properly view these documents.

Due to the large file sizes of these documents a broadband connection is recommended for download.

RECORD OF DECISION (July 5, 2006)

Exhibits

FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (April 13, 2006)

Appendices

PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE MITIGATION PACKAGE

Appendices

Appendix A - (PDF - 4.8MB)

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Appendices

PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS AND SCREENING REPORT (08/19/03)

Appendices

PURPOSE AND NEED STATEMENT

Purpose and Need Statement (PDF - 34K)

NOTICE OF INTENT

Notice of Intent (PDF - 31K)

LIST OF MEETINGS

Initial Scoping Meetings
- Community Advisory Committee Meeting - March 21, 2002
- Public Information Meeting - March 21, 2002
Purpose and Need/Preliminary Alternatives
- Community Advisory Committee Meeting - April 10, 2003
- Public Information Meeting - April 10, 2003
- Interagency Review Meeting and Project Tour - May 15, 2003
Preliminary Alternatives Analysis and Screening Report
- Community Advisory Committee Meeting - September 4, 2003
- Public Information Meeting - September 4, 2003
- Interagency Review Meeting - September 30, 2003
Section 106 – Historic and Archaeological Resource Process
- Consulting Party Meeting - Resource Identification - June 6, 2003
- Consulting Party Meeting - Eligibility Determination - September 4, 2003

Contact

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:37:31 -0500

For general inquiries, please complete the form below. All messages will be directed to Jim Pinkerton, Communications Director for INDOT's LaPorte District.

You must have the flash plugin to view the email form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:35:04 -0500

Is the New US 31 Plymouth to South Bend under construction?
What is the timeline for each stretch/phase?
Are there alternate traffic route plans during construction; if so, what are they?
Who will coordinate access during construction – the state, county, township or city? Are all the players on the same page?
How is this project going to affect me during construction and after completion?
Why is this project needed?
Why can't you just follow the existing route and upgrade it?
How will the upgrades be funded?
Where will interchanges be? Which county roads will have over/underpasses?
What happens to the existing US 31?
Are a lot of the existing roads going to become dead-ends when the freeway is built?
Will emergency responders be able to appropriately and timely respond to all sections of the route?
How much safer will this project make the route? Will fewer accidents occur?
What accommodations will be made for bicyclists, pedestrians or mass transit alternatives?
How will people between Kern and Roosevelt get into the city?
What will be done to improve local streets affected by this?
What is the timeline for the Jackson, Johnson and Fellows bridges?
What happens if someone won’t sell his/her property? Can they stop the project?
What will the speed limit be?
How will this affect wetlands?
How much will noise levels along the new route increase? What will be done to mitigate that?
Is the New US 31 Plymouth to South Bend a Major Moves project?
About Major Moves
What is the timeline for the entire north stretch of US 31 from Indianapolis to South Bend?
Where can I find more information about the other projects on US 31 between Indianapolis and South Bend?
What is the predicted economic impact on small towns such as Lakeville and La Paz?
What will be the emergency routes for police, fire and health equipment?
Why didn’t we use this money to develop another form of transit, like rail?
Once complete, will children be on the school bus longer?
What attention was given to historical landmarks?
I represent a group/organization and have questions regarding the project. Can the US 31 project team speak to my group?
Will my property value decrease if there are vacant homes on my street?

Is the New US 31 Plymouth to South Bend under construction?

Yes, several contracts are underway to construct the New US 31. Visit the Construction/Closure Info page for details about current construction.

What is the timeline for each stretch/phase?

Complete

Plymouth-Goshen Trail over US 31
6th/Lilac Road over US 31
Lilac/Tyler Road over New US 31
Miller Road over New US 31
Grading contract for New US 31 between US 6 and SR 4
Kenilworth Road over New US 31
New Road over New US 31
Lake Trail over New US 31
East 1st Road over New US 31
LaPorte wetland mitigation
Elkhart wetland mitigation
Widening of SR 4/Pierce Road
New US 31 bridges over Shidler-Hoffman Ditch, Shively Ditch and Magnum Arm Ditch
Heston Ditch over US 31

Under Construction in 2012

US 31 from SR 4 to just south of Roosevelt Road
New US 31 over existing US 31
New US 31 paving from 1B Road to SR 4
SR 4 interchange
New US 31 bridge over Roosevelt Road
New US 31 from Roosevelt to just south of Kern Road
New US 31 from US 6 to 4A Road (Marshall County)
US 6 interchange
Existing US 31 (St. Joseph County) to US 6
Jackson over US 31
Fellows over US 20
New US 31 from Kern Road to Dice Street
Kern Road interchange

Fiscal Year 2013

Johnson over US 31
Existing US 31 from US 30 to New US 31
Existing US 31 from Dice Street to US 20
7th Road interchange

Are there alternate traffic route plans during construction; if so, what are they?

Maintenance of traffic plans are developed during the last stage of the design process. The current plan calls for the new overpasses at Scott, Fellows, Jackson and Johnson to be constructed and open to traffic prior to beginning the construction of US 31 north of Kern Road. When we enter that phase of the project, those will be communicated to motorists and residents in the area, as well as emergency responders.

Who will coordinate access during construction – the state, county, township or city? Are all the players on the same page?

INDOT will coordinate all of the projects identified in the ROD. While outside of INDOT’s scope of work on this project, if there are projects that will be undertaken by local municipalities in the area, the project team will work with the responsible agency to ensure efficient and accurate preparation, as requested.

How is this project going to affect me during construction and after completion?

Traffic patterns will be changed temporarily during construction and, in some cases, after construction is completed. Each contract will have unique impacts during construction. For information regarding permanent road closures and over/underpasses along the corridor, click here: 2011bridges2.pdf

Why is this project needed?

The Indiana General Assembly directed the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to study the transportation corridor between Indianapolis and South Bend. Currently, INDOT is developing three sections of this corridor, including the upgrade of US 31 in Hamilton County, Howard County, and Marshall and St. Joseph counties.

Based on traffic counts from 2000, significant congestion exists along US 31 through La Paz and from Lakeville to the US 20 Bypass. The Level of Service (LOS) – the level at which a roadway allows the flow of vehicles – falls below “C” for rural areas and “D” for urban areas. (LOS is rated by grades, with A representing the least amount of congestion and F representing the most. LOS C and D are the lowest accepted levels for rural and urban environments, respectively.) In addition, three of four signalized intersections and three of six non-signalized intersections operate at an unacceptable LOS. By 2030, without the proposed improvements, nearly all intersections would operate at an unacceptable LOS.

Further, upgrading US 31 to freeway standards will greatly improve the safety of the corridor – reducing the number of crashes and rear-end collisions caused through turning movements and increased traffic – especially between Lakeville and South Bend.

Why can't you just follow the existing route and upgrade it?

A full range of freeway alternatives, including the No-Build Alternative, was investigated as part of the Environmental Impact Study (EIS). The freeway alternative is the only alternative that met the purpose and need of the project – reduce congestion, improve safety and align with state and local transportation plans.

How will the money for the upgrades be funded?

Projects such as this are funded through federal and state transportation dollars.

Where will interchanges be? Which county roads will have over/underpasses?

Interchanges will be located at 7th Road, US 6, SR 4 and Kern Road. For details on how local roads will intersect with the New US 31, click here: 2011bridges2.pdf

What happens to the existing US 31?

We are currently in negotiations with the local governments for a relinquishment agreement. After that agreement is executed and the new US 31 is completed, it will become a local road.

Are a lot of the existing roads going to become dead-ends when the freeway is built?

Bridges will be constructed to allow the free flow of traffic over or under the new US 31 alignment for many existing roadways. For all other roadways, they will be reconstructed as cul-de-sacs or relocated.

Will emergency responders be able to appropriately and timely respond to all sections of the route?

Throughout the study, design and construction, INDOT will work closely with local emergency responders to ensure a local access plan is in place to accommodate emergency vehicles.

How much safer will this project make the route? Will fewer accidents occur?

The accident rate for a freeway is lower than that for a non-freeway facility, such as the existing US 31 corridor. By diverting traffic onto the new US 31 freeway, there will be a decline in the number of crashes in the corridor.

What accommodations will be made for bicyclists, pedestrians or mass transit alternatives?

Bicyclists and pedestrians are prohibited from traveling on limited access roadways; however, shoulders on both sides of roads intersecting the freeway will be wide enough to accommodate bicycle and pedestrian access.

How will people between Kern and Roosevelt get into the city?

That depends on the destination and/or preferred route; going to the new Kern Road interchange and heading north is one option that should provide the quickest access to Ireland Road, but it is possible that motorists will choose to use the existing Kern Road connection between US 31 and Miami Road.

What will be done to improve local streets affected by this?

INDOT’s scope of construction was outlined in the US 31 ROD; there will be a few new connections across US 20/US 31 to facilitate local connectivity and emergency services access to the neighborhoods located directly south of US 20. Those connections are at Scott, Fellows and Jackson. In other areas, as can be seen in the ROD, there will be minor re-alignment of existing local streets such as Main street north of Kern Road or at the west end of the new Johnson Road overpass at the existing grade.

The project team is keeping local officials informed of all construction plans to better facilitate their local improvement plans’ preparation for this project.

What is the timeline for the Jackson, Johnson and Fellows bridges?

The timeline has not been set, but the construction of these bridges will most likely precede the construction of mainline US 31, in order have them open prior to construction of mainline US 31 between Kern Road and US 20. This will facilitate maximum access for residents in the area while the mainline road is reconstructed.

What happens if someone won’t sell his/her property? Can they stop the project?

While we hope this situation will not arise, statutes allow for legal remedies to keep this project moving forward. So, while they may slightly slow the process, they cannot stop the project itself.

What will the speed limit be?

The freeway is being designed per federal and INDOT standards. Specific speed limits will be determined closer to construction.

How will this affect wetlands?

The selected alternative has the lowest environmental impacts to wetlands and forests. Wetland mitigation is estimated to be approximately 110 acres. Wetland mitigation ratios range from 2:1 to 4:1 depending on the type of wetland impacted, and will be determined at the final design and permitting stage.

How much will noise levels along the new route increase? What will be done to mitigate that?

Noise levels in the general area are predicted to range from the low 60 decibel range to as much as 72 decibels. Preliminary analysis recommends noise barriers along the northern portion of the corridor, which is expected to decrease the impact by 5 to 12 decibels. A detailed assessment about noise barrier walls will be conducted during the final design phase of the project.

Is the New US 31 Plymouth to South Bend a Major Moves project?

Yes, this is one of three major projects scheduled for the US 31 corridor between Indianapolis and South Bend. The three projects — in Hamilton, Howard, and through Marshall and St. Joseph counties — are a $1 billion investment in north central Indiana that will increase economic activity, provide better access and create jobs.

What is Major Moves?

In September 2005, Governor Daniels introduced his draft Major Moves highway plan. The funding comes from a combination of federal and state gas tax monies and revenues from leasing the Indiana Toll Road (ITR) to a private company. A lease was anticipated to bring in the $1.8 billion necessary to fill the construction gap. In November 2005, the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA), which owns the ITR, began soliciting bids to manage and lease the highway. In the third week of the legislative session, IFA opened bids and announced a $3.85 billion offer to maintain and operate the ITR for 75 years. The offer came from Cintra-Maquarie, an Australian-Spanish consortium which operates more than 40 toll facilities worldwide - including the Chicago Skyway which connects at the ITR's western end.

In May 2006, INDOT introduced the final, funded 10-year Major Moves highway plan. Annual new construction will quadruple during the program from $213 million in FY 2006 to $874 million in 2015. In addition to state highway projects, the counties where the ITR is located will receive one-time payments of between $40 million and $120 million for local transportation projects.

What is the timeline for the entire north stretch of US 31 from Indianapolis to South Bend?

INDOT’s Long Range Transportation Plan includes projects 25 years in the future. The US 31 segments through Hamilton County, Howard County (Kokomo), and Marshall and St. Joseph counties will be completed during this time period. Other segments will be determined as the Long Range Plan is updated.

Where can I find more information about the other projects on US 31 between Indianapolis and South Bend?

INDOT has Web sites for its two other projects - the Kokomo Corridor and The New US 31 Hamilton County. For information about Kokomo, visit www.in.gov/indot/div/projects/us31/kokomo/ and for Hamilton County, visit www.us31hamiltoncounty.in.gov.

What is the predicted economic impact on small towns such as Lakeville and La Paz?

A business needs survey was sent to local businesses that were potentially affected by the project. According to those surveys, 65 percent would relocate their businesses as close as possible to their exiting site, 15 percent would relocate away from the immediate area, 12 percent would terminate their business and 8 percent were unsure of their course of action. In addition to the 80 percent who would remain open, investing in infrastructure regularly increases the amount of businesses investing in an area.

Why didn’t we use this money to develop another form of transit, like rail?

Mass transit alternatives were studied as part of the EIS. The research revealed that motorists were not starting from and ending at concentrated common areas and that there would not be enough riders to pay for the transit operating costs. Further, it was found that the only alternative that met the purpose and need of the project – reduce congestion, improve safety and align with state and local transportation plans – was the freeway alternative.

Once complete, will children be on the school bus longer?

INDOT will work closely with local transportation planners to identify roads affected or potentially blocked by the new corridor. There is a chance that some bus routes will take longer, but INDOT will work with local officials to keep these impacts to a minimum.

What attention was given to historical landmarks?

Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana and the South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Commission both submitted lists of properties of concern to those organizations. All properties on both lists were fully evaluated for potential listing in the National Register of Historic Places and the selected alternative minimized impacts to those parcels. INDOT will continue to work with preservation groups as design is finalized and construction begins.

I represent a group/organization and have questions regarding the project. Can the US 31 project team speak to my group?

Yes. The US 31 project team is happy to meet with or speak to any group/organization at any time. Please feel free to contact Erin Pipkin or LaPorte Communications Director Jim Pinkerton for more information.

Will my property value decrease if there are vacant homes on my street?

No. Project appraisers determine the value of homes based on sales of properties similar to yours, as well as the specific attributes you discuss with her/him. By law, the appraiser must disregard the influence of the future public project on the value of the property, including the vacant homes on the street purchased as part of the project.

For Property Owners

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:31:20 -0500

Final design is underway for the upgrade and realignment of US 31 from US 30 in Plymouth to the US 20 bypass in South Bend. Approximately 15 miles of the 20-mile corridor will be built on new terrain. Final design will reveal the bridges and overpasses, interchanges and right of way lines.

Land acquisition

Surveyors are currently out assessing land now; and appraisers will analyze property after them. Some offers have already been extended, though the land acquisition process will precede each phase of construction by approximately one year.

Click for more information on land acquisition and relocation.

Public meetings

If you would like to host an information meeting at your place of business, please let us know. We will try to accommodate several requests each year. You can do so by e-mailing the outreach coordinator.

Do you want to stay informed? We will be sending out an e-newsletter with updates. Join the list and have the latest news on construction timelines, events and more sent directly to your inbox.

Indiana Major Moves: US 31

Construction/Closure Info

Speed limit reduced

Visuals

Maps

Click on a green circle to view an enlargement of that sector.

E-newsletter

E-Newsletter

View the past newsletters:

Community Advisory Committee

Community Advisory Committee

News

Two New Bridges On The Way For US 31 Project

Contract Awarded for US 31 Work between Roosevelt and Kern Roads

INDOT awards $24.2 million contract for work between US 6 and SR 4

Speed limit update

Archive

Governor Daniels Breaks Ground on the New US 31 Plymouth the South Bend

Public open houses for US 31 Plymouth to South Bend project scheduled for May

INDOT Launches New Web Site for US 31 Plymouth to South Bend Project

Public Records

RECORD OF DECISION (July 5, 2006)

Exhibits

FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (April 13, 2006)

Appendices

PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE MITIGATION PACKAGE

Appendices

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Appendices

PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS AND SCREENING REPORT (08/19/03)

Appendices

PURPOSE AND NEED STATEMENT

NOTICE OF INTENT

LIST OF MEETINGS

Initial Scoping Meetings

Purpose and Need/Preliminary Alternatives

Preliminary Alternatives Analysis and Screening Report

Section 106 – Historic and Archaeological Resource Process

Contact

Frequently Asked Questions

Complete

Under Construction in 2012

Fiscal Year 2013

For Property Owners

Land acquisition

Public meetings

Newsletter