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Indiana considers private firm for final I-69 legs

Associated Press
December 4, 2012
Keywords
I-69, Interstates/Highways, Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
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Indiana is considering hiring a private firm to design and build the stretch of Interstate 69 from Bloomington to Martinsville.

The state Department of Transportation posted a request for information Tuesday asking companies to tell the state how they could plan and build that segment of the highway, and maintain it once it's built.

The move comes as the state seeks ways to pay for the final segments of the 142-mile project designed to link Indianapolis and Evansville. The first three sections from Evansville to Crane are open, and a fourth segment to Bloomington is under construction.

But money from the state's lease of the Indiana Toll Road, which was used to jumpstart construction of the I-69 extension, is either spent or allocated to specific projects, and the state must find a way to pay for the final two sections of the highway.

The section still to be built is expected to cost between $350 million and $500 million, the Evansville Courier & Press reported.

The state's request for information says Indiana is looking at "various public-private partnership delivery models" for the project.

INDOT spokesman Will Wingfield said that even if a contractor takes charge of the entire project, the state is still determined to bar tolls on the road.

"There is no change in our commitment that motorists will be able to drive from Indianapolis to Evansville without paying a toll," Wingfield said.

He said the state believes it would get a better price by agreeing to pay a lump sum to the contractor than by bonding out the work.

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  • Wrong on nearly all accounts
    Not ReallyDecember 5, 2012 2:06 PM
    Joe: Actually -- the cost of the roadway has come in UNDER budget; the project meets all required standards; there ARE a variety of potential funding sources that can be used for the final portions of the project -- and yes, you are correct -- there will not be a need for tolls to be used to pay for the final segments. This project is good for Indiana and will help increase the accessibility of Indianapolis as we will soon have interstates reaching outward in 8 directions across the country - plus the upgraded US 31 running straight north. Good stuff for continued future economic growth.
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  • Always Positive News
    JoeDecember 5, 2012 10:18 AM
    All around good news. I-69 has cost more than we anticipated, been built to a substandard grade, has no funding source for the remaining portions and we won't charge poeple using it to use it. This certainly isn't a "boondoggle"
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment

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    1. Saw the Indy Men's Chorus "Music of Gilbert & Sullivan" at the Indiana Historical Society on Sunday evening.

    2. Temporary workers are not "tools" they are people and companies that keep large amounts of temp staff are cheating.

    3. I miss having them around. I hope one of their stores is in the general Meridian/86th Street area. I will make good use of it.

    4. The Fringe! Plus, the simple fact that there are so many local faves in such close proximity to each other.

    5. I remenber, watching the toll road, being built, through South Bend, when I was 10 years old. I believe, back then that it was estimated, that the toll road, would be paid for in 20 years and then it would be free. I am now 71, what happened? Since the power is in the people, by that, I mean that, we the people are in total control of everything. I, suggest that no one ever use the toll road again, let it go broke. We the people can control the price of everything, from groceries to gas, if we would just do it. If we don't pay the asking price, the sellers will lower the price and if we wait awhile, they will lower the price to what we accept as reasonable. I would like to know why a highway like interstate 94, is so well maintained, a much better highway, than the toll road, but has no tolls. I would also like to know why, a sitting governor, with a term limit, maximum of eight years, can lease, public property, for 75 years. Even though I have transponders in both of my trucks and will not be affected by the increase, I have been and will contine to avoid using the toll road. I make many trips from northern Indiana to Chicago, every year, and I prefer the better highway, I94!

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