By Joe Thomas, Journal and Courier

The U.S. 231 relocation project will continue with a new section connecting South River Road and State Street, passing near the Purdue University Airport.

But, eventually, state and local leaders want the federal highway to become a bypass around West Lafayette's west side.

On Jan. 17, Indiana Department of Transportation staff members will hold a public hearing on potential routes for the highway.

The meeting will run from 5 to 8 p.m. in Room 206 at Stewart Center at Purdue University. Anyone wanting to learn more about the project can check a Web site: www.relocate231.com.

U.S. 231 began as a route to downtown Lafayette, using Fourth Street. Now, it enters West Lafayette by crossing the Wabash River over Branigin Bridge. It meets South River Road, and drivers turn right to head to the River Road/State Street intersection.

The next phase will move 231 from the South River Road intersection west by the Purdue University Airport and connect with State Street. Engineers continue designing that project.

But engineers with Michael Baker Jr. Inc. want to take another look at the project that will follow the next step. That will take 231 from State Street to U.S. 52.

The Jan. 17 public meeting will focus on that work and will include project history, potential alternatives and the environmental assessing process this phase must complete.