I-70 and US 41
The Common Sense Route for I-69
Between Evansville and Indianapolis
- Nearly $900 million less expensive than INDOT's favored
route
- Saves thousands of acres of farmland, forest and wetland
- Only 13 minutes longer
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Underused U.S. 41 north of Evansville
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Indianapolis Star Favors
U.S. 41/I-70 Combination
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Following the May 2001 INDOT public hearings on the "purpose and need" statement
for the I-69 environmental impact study, the Indianapolis Star editorialized
that upgrading U.S. 41 to interstate standards and linking to I-70 to Indianapolis
could meet both economic and environmental needs. According to the Star:
Perhaps both needs [economic and environmental] can be
met. Other states are expected to use at least some existing highways to complete
I-69. Its an approach favored by Hoosier environmentalists, who want U.S. 41
upgraded from Evansville to Terre Haute before linking with Interstate 70 to
Indianapolis.
Bringing U.S. 41 to interstate standards would require
the consumption of additional farmland and the displacement of homes and businesses.
But it would keep the route far from the Hoosier National Forest.
Yet, business interests could still benefit from the new
highway through the upgrade of existing state roads that would link small towns
to I-69. Job-creating development could occur along these routes without sacrificing
the natural beauty of southwestern Indiana.
Economic development remains essential. Hoosiers, however,
need not destroy our natural resources to gain financial success. Focused but
unhurried public debate that addresses both needs must continue.
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Excerpted from the Indianpolis Star, May 16, 2001. Copies of the
complete article are available for purchase from the archives
of the Star.
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