Plans Announced for U.S. 231 Section in Dubois County; Alignment allows for expansion of Huntingburg Airport runway but not til 2014

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) today announced additional review of the project scope for the U.S. 231 project that will accommodate the expansion of the Huntingburg Airport.

Consultants will review existing studies and documents to provide the optimal design for the roadway in this area.  The goal is to provide the best roadway alignment and most economical option as well as accommodate the airport project.

A public hearing on the new alignment will be held later this year providing more detailed information available at that time.  The contract for the new section is scheduled for bid in 2014, with construction to begin shortly thereafter.  It is anticipated the new section would open to traffic at the end of 2015.

INDOT is adopting a more flexible and opportunistic construction program that identifies transportation needs in the timeframe that capital improvement projects can be funded and developed.  All U.S. 231 sections north of the airport remain unfunded and are not scheduled in INDOT’s rolling future transportation plans.

INDOT is coordinating with airport officials to ensure Federal and State aviation funds awarded for the runway expansion are invested before the funds expire.  According to a 2007 Aviation Association of Indiana study, the state’s public-use airports generate direct and indirect economic benefits of $5.2 billion.

For the latest news and information about INDOT, please visit www.in.gov/indot.