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The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), in association with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is re-evaluating alternatives originally proposed as part of the 1987 environmental impact study for the relocation of US 231 from south of the Wabash River to US 52. That study was done in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In June 2001, the southern segment of the project, including the new bridge crossing the Wabash River as well as improvements to South River Road, were completed and opened for traffic. The planned middle segment between South River Road and State Street is currently undergoing final design. In
June 2001, Michael Baker Jr., Inc. (Baker) was provided official Notice
to Proceed on preparing additional environmental documentation regarding
the northern portion of the US 231 Relocation Project between State Street
(SR 26) and US 52. The northern portion of the project was planned to alleviate traffic congestion on the Purdue University Campus by re-routing US 231 to the west. Several alternatives were studied as part of the 1987 study, and a preferred alternative was selected in a 1992 Record of Decision (ROD). However, significant developments west of the campus have necessitated that the original alternatives be re-evaluated. Therefore, INDOT is taking another look at the project to determine the best alternative to meet current needs while avoiding or minimizing environmental impacts to the area. INDOT, on behalf of the FHWA, is also reinitiating the Section 106 Review and Coordination process with the Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (IDHPA). In accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's current regulations of 36 CFR 800, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and other applicable laws and regulations. A Project Team has been assembled and includes members of the FHWA, INDOT, MPO (Area Plan Commission of Tippecanoe County - TCAPC), and assistance by Michael Baker Jr., Inc. (General Engineering Consultant - GEC). The preliminary alternatives (Lines 1 through 10) went through a screening process, where each line was thoroughly analyzed. The preferred alternative was found to be Line 7. The star in the "Road to a Preferred Alternative" graphic below represents where we are currently in the US 231 Relocation Study.
The map below represents the US 231 Relocation Study Area [between State Street (SR 26) and US 52] in Lafayette, Indiana. |
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Source: Otterbien, Brookston, Brookston SW, Round Grove, Chatterton, Lafayette East, and Lafayette West 7.5 minute series USGS quadrangles. |
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*Since
the 01/17/02 public kickoff meeting, two new alignments have been added
(lines 9 & 10). Mapping
Presented at January 17, 2002 Public Meeting: Cultural Resources (Historic and Archaeological Resources/Section 106): View the Final Section 106: Phase I Survey Report on the Cultural Resources Page Project
Documents:
US
231: I-70 to I-65 Environmental Assessment Study Would you like to know more about the decision-making process for projects such as the US 231 Relocation Study? Go to the Transportation Decision-Making Process Page. |
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© 2002
INDOT & Michael Baker Jr., Inc. |
