Letter: Studies never supported new highway
The Jasper/Huntingburg By-Pass has been “talked about” since the 1960s. The focus, in the early days, was a desire to eliminate traffic congestion in Jasper and Huntingburg. Some 60+ years later and folks keeping bringing up the same false problem. There is no way to completely eliminate traffic congestion in urban/suburban areas. The “problem” of congestion has been addressed and corrected as US 231 has been updated and improved over the decades.
Remember, US 231 is not that old of a highway. It was only about 70 years ago that US 231 was “built” through Indiana. It’s interesting that in the intervening years the leaders of Dubois County never had the support of the people to build a by-pass. In fact, most of the early studies/commissions/panels could not justify a by-pass.
There were no formal INDOT studies or commissions from the 1960s–1980s focused on a Jasper/Huntingburg bypass. This concept existed only as local political and business advocacy during this period. The formal studies activity record begins in the early 1990s. Another interesting factoid is that the “congestion” was at it’s worst in these early years.
Since 1990 there have been several “investigations” (studies):
The Donohue Study (1990), officially known as the Evansville-to-Indianapolis transportation study, conducted by Donohue & Associates. It’s findings recommended improvements to existing highways, including US 231 but not a new terrain highway.
US 231 Corridor Study / Rust Study (1993–1996), was sponsored by INDOT, Dubois County interests and the Local “Sight Committee” and community leaders. It’s findings concluded that TSM improvements alone would not adequately address future traffic demand. It recommended pursuing bypass alternatives for further consideration but not a new terrain highway
Earth Tech Study / US 231 Environmental Impact Study (2002–2004), its purpose was to conduct a formal environmental review of bypass alternatives around Jasper and Huntingburg and to analyze eastern and western routes. It did not conclude the project was neither feasible or infeasible and it generated significant public opposition, particularly among affected landowners.
Supplemental DEIS Update (2011) was a continuation and update of the Earth Tech work. Its purpose was to refresh traffic forecasts and environmental analyses and to reassess bypass alignments. Its findings reaffirmed concerns about: congestion on US 231, crash rates and future capacity needs. This study was never completed into a Final EIS and was effectively shelved.
I-67 Corridor Feasibility Study (Cambridge Systematics, 2012) its purpose was to examine a larger corridor connecting I-64, Jasper/Huntingburg, Washington, and I-69. Its findings revealed there could be substantial economic and transportation benefits. It recommended continued development and further engineering studies and it shifted the discussion from a local bypass to a broader regional highway corridor.
Mid-States Corridor Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (2018–2023) became the largest and most comprehensive study ever conducted on the issue. Its purpose was to evaluate a new highway connection from I-64 near Dale to I-69 near Crane/Bloomfield and to determine whether bypassing Jasper and Huntingburg should be part of a larger regional corridor. In its findings it elected a preferred corridor east of Jasper and Huntingburg. It concluded that a new-terrain highway should move forward for detailed study and the Final Environmental Impact Statement approved in 2023.
Mid-States Corridor Tier 2 Study (2024–Present). Its purpose was to determine the exact route, access points, right-of-way needs, and environmental impacts. It focused first on the Dubois County section around Jasper and Huntingburg. It will determine the final alignment of the bypass east of Jasper and Huntingburg.
As one can see the “Mid-States Corridor” has been studied to death with the same results for the past 7 decades. We all, well most of us, have heard that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. So are we insane? I don’t think so but I do beleive that some of our elected leaders are not representing us. They seem to be representing the Cabal of folks like Ken Mulzer, Mike Braun, Hanke Menke and Mark Messmer.
We the people must continue to oppose the Cabal, the Lochmueller Group, INDOT and the Mid-States Corridor RDA. We are so close, we cannot give up now. Come out and support the PRA. Come to the Jasper and Huntingburg City Council meetings and demand that they vote to quit the RDA.
It’s not over till it’s over and we are very close to the horror of the RDA and the Corridor being over.
Jim Arvin
Rutherford Township
Martin County
Property Rights Alliance May 28, 2026 Meeting Notes: 76 Attendees; Petition Update — 13,100+ have signed the most recent petition; Next meeting will be June 11, 2026
For clarity, Mr. Arvin is not Jim Arvin, former CEO of Jasper Desk.
