Op-Ed: Answering some questions about the Mid-States Corridor
Recently, many questions have been asked about the benefits of the Mid-States Corridor in public meetings, on social media, and in regular conversation. I wanted to take these questions and attempt to consolidate many specific questions into broad questions and answers.
I will be the first to tell you, I both personally and professionally believe that the Mid-States Corridor will be vitally beneficial to the future of Dubois County. However, I’ve tried my best to give honest, truthful, and non-biased answers to these questions and also give the reasons why the Mid States Corridor will be an economic benefit to Dubois County.
This project comes with very difficult decisions and a direct impact on local residents. Unfortunately, this is the reality that we are all living through now, some more than others. The same reality is that virtually every road we drive on today was likely once someone’s land that the road is now going through. I’d argue that the overwhelming majority enjoys the benefits of modern roadways, that were at some point created at the expense of a landowner.
My goal and hope is that this provides some insight into the project, its benefits, and general information to recently asked questions.
Q: What are the benefits for Dubois County Residents specifically?
A: This is a question that can go multiple ways, but I will specifically focus on the economic benefits. As part of the process, INDOT and Lochmueller used the TREDIS model. TREDIS is “the most widely used tool in North America for assessing the economic impacts of transportation projects,” according to the TREDIS website. Further, almost all 50 states use this model. TREDIS is a tried and proven tool to scrutinize the impacts of transportation projects (more later about TREDIS data).
The modeling assessed a variety of factors that are summarized in the model below:
As you can see, economic development and impact is a complicated venture, and while we can sit here and debate the validity of projections, we also must recognize that this is a tried and proven model to assess future impacts.
Any project is evaluated for its future projections. Investments in the downtown, the River Center, 4th St., and road projects are evaluated based on projections. The belief that because it is a model and ‘prediction’ means we cannot put some faith into it, means that you should also be against any project like the Thyen Clark Center because we didn’t know for a fact it would bring benefit; or an investment in the square downtown because we didn’t know if people care about what it looks like. Sure, the Mid-States Corridor is different and is a much more expensive project, and we should take a second look at things, but we also must move in the right direction to create positive change.
Using the TREDIS model, it finds the following:
- $314M in increased regional GDP
- 1,170 jobs increased
- High-wage jobs increased by 397 positions
- High-growth jobs increased by 731
- And personal income to increase by $96M
To summarize, the economic benefit to Dubois County residents, on a large scale, is not a massive time savings from the South side of Huntingburg to the Jasper Walmart. The benefit for us is a county-wide economic benefit that brings jobs and opportunities here. Opportunity to a place where we want to live and work; a place where we want our next generation to live and work. Without opportunities, people and businesses will move elsewhere.
Q: Are these models accurate?
A: Yes and no. The TREDIS model specifically shows economic increases, time savings, job and population growth. However, these are often conservative estimates. The best example I can give, and one that is close to home is I-69. During the studies, a one way trip from Evansville to Indianapolis was projected to save 27 minutes (Link to Purdue Study).
We know in Dubois County going to Bloomington for IU Football the time savings are greater than what a study would have shown at this rate. In fact, a 2012 research project from Purdue used cell phone and Bluetooth data that shows a 37 to 40 minute time savings for half of the I-69 route from Evansville to Crane. About half of the route that supposedly saved 27 minutes (so effectively about 14 minutes) is actually saving close to 40 minutes! (report at the end of this Q&A)
The truth behind the TREDIS model is that it is a conservative number. A small time savings with the Mid States Corridor, such as 3 minutes, show improvements under harsh scrutiny, but the reality is that these models are meant to truly test under tough conditions and the actual numbers will likely be better. Under-promise and over-deliver.
Q: Are Reduced Conflict Intersections (RCIs) or ‘J-Turns’ actually safe for school buses, commuters, etc.?
A: The short answer is yes, RCIs and J-turns are safe. In fact, data around RCIs have shown that these are safer than most intersections in Dubois County. This is, truthfully, a lot to process and on the surface may not make sense. I was very skeptical at first. In a traditional 4-way intersection with traffic flowing through two directions, right turns are essentially the same in this scenario. The difference is left turns are removed from the equation. Right only turns greatly reduce the ‘point of conflict’ for crossing traffic. Traffic models and now, hard evidence from these being installed have proven RCIs work and are one of the safest intersection possibilities to have.
Specifically, school buses cross over busy intersections or turn left today as roads exist, sometimes even with limited sight lines. The Mid States Corridor would be a modern facility with long sight lines and data that shows a right turn into a ‘J-turn’ is safer than crossing straight across. As for commuters who may cross daily, yes, these may take some time for you to cross. Many people cross through areas with J-turns today, and while there may be some time differences, it’s nominal compared to the benefits of the community.
Additionally, the “speed up across two lanes of traffic, slow down, turn, and speed up again” comment is another concern. These road facilities are made to allow for adequate speed, slow down, and safety. People today cross traffic to turn left and speed up as needed, which is a very similar action that would need to be taken to make the J-turn.
Q: Do these J-turns take time from Dubois County Residents?
A: Yes, there are likely some time additions for residents who take J-turns as a cost to travelers. People may cross these two or more times per day going from East to West, but the addition of a North and South connection also reduces travel time in another direction. It may impact daily commutes to work or school, but again, safety is important, and it may be at the cost of a few minutes each day. The goal is that the Mid-States Corridor will also ensure faster travel at the times individuals need to go North or South.
Q: What does The Mid States cost, where does it come from, who pays what?
A: The project cost to build the Mid-States Corridor is right around $1B, according to the Lochmueller Group’s reports. (As an aside, the $3B number that is often referenced is the estimate from local residents and groups that are not associated with any official reports that I have seen. The general $1B amount I reference is the amount to build the road per the Lochmueller/INDOT reports).
Most infrastructure projects of this type are funded by at least 80% of federal funds. These funds are from all 50 states and not just Indiana. Federal funds are also already appropriated, so our tax dollars, plus taxes from 49 other states, WILL be spent somewhere on an infrastructure project. The Mid-States Corridor would bring home our hard-earned federal tax dollars to benefit Dubois County.
The remaining 20% comes from a variety of sources, including INDOT funding, local public matches, and even private donors. INDOT has not confirmed a percentage of the project to be funded locally; however, around 10% is typically funded by local dollars. This amount can be made up of a variety of ways, such as tax dollars committed over a specified period of time, relinquishment agreements, private dollars, or other various in-kind contributions.
Does that mean your taxes increase? Not necessarily. While we lose some tax revenue from property owners (around $150,000 in taxes according to the Tier 1 FIES), increased population, jobs, and investments from the business sector would more than cover any potential loss. Property values may also shift as land becomes more valuable in certain areas.
For context, Kokomo was referenced at one point as a similar city that created a ‘by-pass’ that’ hurt’ the city – where from an economic standpoint, they are seeing new investments that undoubtably help offset cost (see more below).
Q: What makes Dubois County different than Dale, Chrisney, and others that may have been negatively impacted by new roads?
A: There are many factors to consider for Dale and Chrisney, along with places we heard about a while ago, such as Kokomo or Martinsville. Dubois Strong pulled high-level data from Dale, Kokomo, and Martinsville (at the time, the three most referenced places) that shows large economic indications, such as Median Household Income (inflation-adjusted) increasing, and poverty status and unemployment decreasing. While a road may not be the only factor driving these changes, it sure contributes to it. Recently, Stellantis (‘Chrysler’ ) announced that Kokomo will see a $100M investment and 100 new jobs according to their October 2025 announcement (Link here: https://www.stellantis.com/en/news/press-releases/2025/october/stellantis-to-invest-13-billion-to-grow-in-the-united-states). This is just one example of investment due to forward thinking and having the infrastructure to support growth.
The other difference between destinations in Dubois County and Dale or Chrisney is the economy we have created. People have a reason and desire to stop and enjoy our downtowns and continued investments in our urban cores have created these places. Dale and Chrisney do not have the storefronts or level of investment in their downtown areas. Jasper, Huntingburg, Ferdinand, Holland, Dubois, etc., all give people reasons to visit, and people will continue to visit. People from farther away may visit because they have easier access.
Q: Why should the county and cities take US231?
A: Local control means local decisions. It also means local funding for the road. This is a delicate balance between roadways, costs, and quality of place. In fact, I’ve heard a few times in Jasper that US231 is the worst road in the city – it also happens to not be controlled by the city. Recently, someone said the light in Huntingburg at the intersection of US231 and Veteran’s Memorial Parkway was a poor design. Again, an intersection not under local control. If people would like to see changes, an easy fix is to get local control.
Now, that of course falls under the realms of funding, sustainability, and other considerations that are being discussed. This isn’t as easy as saying “yes we will take it”, but this provides the unique opportunity for our local community to work with INDOT to come to a mutually beneficial point where roads are locally controlled for the benefit of Dubois County residents.
Another consideration is that INDOT receives federal funding and must follow strict guidelines, which make their costs higher. Dubois County does not receive these dollars and can take care of our road for about 80% less than INDOT can. So, for every dollar that INDOT might spend, Dubois County can do it for about $0.20 ‘on the dollar’ on average.
Q: Are emergency services going to be impacted by the new road?
A: There is no good way to assess the total impact of emergency services for the Mid-States Corridor. On one end of the spectrum, yes, some places could take longer, and on others, it may be faster. For example, Jasper and Huntingburg fire departments have now entered into a partnership where if one city has a fire, the other will respond automatically. With the Mid-States Corridor, additional personnel could arrive faster than we have today.
Q: INDOT doesn’t want to maintain parallel roads, so why build one?
A: The short answer, to me, is natural progression. US 231 was completed around 1952 – notable events occurring in 1952 were things like the election of President Eisenhower and about 58,000 Polio cases in the U.S. We didn’t even know much about DNA until a year later in 1953. The 1950 Census of Dubois County shows 23,785 residents and in 1960: 27,463 residents. Today, we have nearly double the residents in Dubois County, among other regional growth and statewide growth from this time.
As I-64 filled a critical need for traveling East and West, the Mid-States Corridor will do the same for North and South travel. The roads of yesterday, including US 231, no longer serve the demands of modern business and travel, but the Mid States Corridor will.
The answer isn’t ‘don’t build the road because they would be parallel’ but the answer is ‘build the road facility that makes Dubois County prosper’. The cost of road maintenance for any road should not be overlooked, and I appreciate my elected officials taking time, care, and consideration in their evaluation. To me, it appears that INDOT also appreciates the conversations and wants to not burden any community with a road – which is why they are offering support in various ways through this relinquishment process including project support, equipment, and it seems like any sort of assistance we can think of.
The major benefit for Dubois County, Jasper, and Huntingburg in taking control of the roads is just that, control. I’ve heard people voice their displeasure about the light in at 231 and Veteran’s Memorial Parkway without turn lanes, I’ve heard people complain about light sequencing, comments on mowing, and so on – who do you go to when you have these concerns now, and do you get a timely response? Local control means local decisions. These cost money, yes, but this is where our community needs to work with INDOT to find the best solution for Dubois County Residents and the entire State of Indiana.
Colten Pipenger
Executive Director
Dubois Strong Economic Development Corporation
About Dubois Strong:
Dubois Strong is a county-wide, collaborative, public-private partnership that maximizes community resources and assets to foster economic growth.
Dubois Strong is Dubois County, Indiana’s, economic development source for innovative entrepreneurs and thriving businesses. We offer specialized programs, tailored services and keen business mentoring to support local business growth while an abundance of skilled labor, infrastructure, coast-to-coast logistics and distribution make Dubois County advantageous for startups and relocations.
