Frequently Asked Questions
The Tier 1 Environmental Study decided to build a new improved highway connection in southern Indiana. That highway will be constructed within an approved 2,000 ft. corridor that extends 54 miles from I-64/US 231 to I-69 at the existing US 231 interchange, traveling east of Huntingburg and Jasper, avoiding heavily developed areas in those cities. It generally runs parallel to and west of US 231 in Martin and Daviess counties. Variations in the Loogootee area include the western bypass identified in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), a route that uses the path of 231 through Loogootee, and two variations east of Loogootee. Selection of the preferred variation in Loogootee will take place during Tier 2 studies. The preferred alternative ends at the existing I-69 interchange at US 231. A total of nine local improvements along existing US 231 are included with the preferred alternative.
The main goals identified were improved business and personal regional connectivity in Dubois County and Southern Indiana, and improved highway connections to existing multimodal locations from Southern Indiana.
The Tier 1 Environmental Study identified several economic needs/goals for the area, including areduction in localized congestion in Dubois County, a reduction in crashes at key locations in Southern Indiana, and support for economic development in Southern Indiana.
The corridor identified in Tier 1 was divided into five Sections of Independent Utility (SIU) for individual Tier 2 analysis. Section 1 uses existing US 231 and doesn’t require further study. Section 2 extends from I-64, east around Huntingburg and Jasper, to SR 56 at Haysville. The Section 2 study launched in July 2024 and is anticipated to take approximately three years to complete. Timelines for SIU 3, 4, and 5 have not yet been determined.
The Tier 2 analysis will determine the alignment and access plan for the new highway and facility type. It will also evaluate more site-specific impacts to determine the specific preferred location and right-of-way needs of a 200-to-500-foot-wide facility.
Freeway options, interstate-type facilities, were eliminated from consideration in Tier 1 because of higher costs. Expressway and Super-2 options will be evaluated in Tier 2.
An expressway has at least two lanes in each direction and access that may include both interchanges and at-grade intersections. A Super-2 includes one travel lane in each direction and a passing/auxiliary lane throughout.
A Purpose and Need Statement will be developed in Spring 2025. Screening of Alternatives is anticipated in Fall of 2025. A Draft Environmental Document will be shared for review in Fall of 2026 and a Final Environmental Document is expected in Summer of 2027.
INDOT is currently pursuing the Tier 2 environmental study for the Dubois County section only. At this time there is no funding allocated and no timeline to begin any Tier 2 studies of other SIUs.
INDOT will initiate buying of right-of-way in select locations at the time of the identification of a Preferred Alternative anticipated in 2026. Early acquisition efforts will be at focused locations and won’t consist of the entire 24 miles in Dubois County. These locations have not been identified at this time.
An RDA is a Regional Development Authority, which are authorized by Indiana Code (IC) 36-7.6. This legislation allows RDAs to be formed throughout Indiana. An RDA allows local governments to collaborate for regional benefits.The Mid-States Corridor RDA was established as provided in IC 36-7.6. Learn more about the Mid-States RDA at their website midstatescorridorrda.com
No. The RDA and INDOT entered into an agreement for the RDA to provide funding for the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement. The Tier 2 for Section 2 is being funded solely by INDOT.
Work may include topographical, ecological, and cultural reviews, in addition to property boundary evaluation.
The actual right-of-way needed will be 200-to-500-foot-wide path depending on the facility type and terrain. The size of a Super-2 is approximately 58 feet wide from shoulder to shoulder. An expressway is approximately 130’ feet wide from shoulder to shoulder including the median.
Surveying will continue through the remainder of 2024 and into 2025. Additional survey activities will be necessary in some areas later in the project development process.
If the property owner hasn’t had advanced contact with the project team, the survey crew will knock to announce their arrival.
Field crews don’t expect a great need for stakes, tape, or flags at this time. If, however, property owners need to move stakes for mowing/farming, they may call the project office at 812-482-3116 to confirm the information was documented.