Two public meetings, one in-person and one virtual, are planned this month for an Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) project that is expected to improve traffic flow and safety along Indiana’s busiest interstate corridor. 80/94 FlexRoad will identify the best solutions for the I-80/I-94 corridor.
The public meetings will provide an update on the project, focus on next steps and offer an opportunity for one-on-one conversations with members of the Project Team.
In-Person Meeting
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 5:30 to 7 p.m. CT
Purdue Northwest Student Union Library Building
Alumni Hall
2200 169th St., Hammond, IN
Virtual Meeting
Thursday, Nov. 17, 6 p.m. CT
Microsoft Teams
Register at bit.ly/FlexRoadVirtualMeeting
Innovative strategies are being developed to help reduce travel time, increase reliability and improve safety. The project has moved to its next phase with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study underway. It will examine the benefits, impacts and costs of four alternatives moving forward for additional analysis. The study is required for projects that will receive federal funding.
Strategies being considered include dynamic shoulder lanes, variable speed limits, ramp metering, lane control and queue warning systems. These are known as Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) strategies. Each of the four alternatives recommended for further evaluation includes a set of strategies aimed at improving reliability and safety. The NEPA phase of the project follows a year-long Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) study conducted by INDOT in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The study determined the purpose and need for the project and developed the alternatives to be studied in greater detail. This spring, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) concurred with the purpose and need and range of alternatives. The PEL Study Report can be accessed here.
The NEPA phase of the project will include detailed analysis of each alternative and collaboration with federal, state and local agencies. Stakeholder engagement and feedback from the public are an important part of the process. The NEPA study is expected to be finalized in fall 2023.
Public Meeting – Special Accommodations
With advance notice, INDOT can provide special accommodation for persons with disabilities and/or limited English speaking ability and persons needing auxiliary aids or services such as interpreters, signers, readers or large print.
Should special accommodation be needed, please contact Berry Craig, public involvement specialist, at (270) 705-1640, or email berry.craig@parsons.com.
