STATEHOUSE- Rep. Heath VanNatter (R- Kokomo) lauds the State Road 38 and U.S. Road 31 upgrade project. The road project had its ground breaking today.
The project, which has been 10 years in the making, aims to revamp 13 miles of U.S. 31 to interstate standards and the upgrade will run from I-465 through Carmel and Westfield to S.R. 38. About 30,000 to 60,000 vehicles travel through this area every day and the project will reduce time spent in traffic as well as enhance safety on the roads.
"This extensive project is one that is long over-due and I am pleased to hear that it is starting to begin," said Rep. VanNatter.
A freeway will built in accordance with the national standards and is the most cost-saving solution for reducing traffic and boost safety. Additionally, the project is designed to beautify the area as well as accommodate non-motorists with pedestrian and bike paths.
Approximately $600 million has been invested in this project and the newly improved U.S. 31 is expected to be the largest and most expansive project in Hamilton County to date.
The freeway will be fully operational for vehicles by 2018.
"The project will increase road safety and result in less time spent in traffic for all motorists and I look forward to seeing the finished project," said Rep. VanNatter.
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Rep. VanNatter serves District 38, which includes all of Clinton county, and parts of Boone, Hamilton, and Howard counties. For the 2011 legislative session, Rep. VanNatter is the vice-chairman of the Utilities and Energy Committee, and a member of the Courts and Criminal Code Committee, Environmental Affairs Committee, and the Local Government Committee.
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