Mitch backs off Illiana extension

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BY MARISA KWIATKOWSKI
mkwiatkowski@nwitimes.com
219.662.5333 | Sunday, March 25, 2007 | (4 comment(s))

INDIANAPOLIS | Public outcry against extending the proposed Illiana Expressway east of Interstate 65 proved too strong for Gov. Mitch Daniels.

Daniels announced Saturday that he is pulling his suggestion to snake the proposed toll road from I-65 east through Porter County and part of LaPorte County before it would have moved north to end at Interstate 94 near Michigan City.

That portion of the Illiana Expressway plan was vigorously opposed by some area residents, who said the route would plow through prime farmland and hurt their lifestyles.

"The people of the affected areas have spoken clearly enough to persuade me that these ideas are, at best, premature," Daniels said in letters to House Transportation Chairwoman Terri Austin, D-Anderson, and Sen. Thomas Wyss, R-Fort Wayne, chairman of the Senate's Homeland Security, Transportation and Veterans Committee. "By contrast, an Illiana bypass from I-65 west seems to be broadly supported and can, I hope, be given the chance to move forward."

Daniels said he also is backing off plans for the proposed 75-mile Indiana Commerce Connector, which would have circled around part of Indianapolis.

But, he asked lawmakers to still consider supporting the roughly 10-mile stretch of proposed Illiana Expressway between I-65 and the Illinois state line through Northwest Indiana.

The highway was proposed as a southern alternative to relieve congestion on Interstate 80/94, U.S. 6 and U.S. 30.

State Rep. Bob Kuzman, D-Crown Point, said he believes the public should have been involved in the planning process from the beginning.

"I still believe the priority should be the South Shore to alleviate the traffic and it would be better for the environment," he said. "I support the Illiana, but I support letting the people help choose the route. I think the people spoke and the governor heard their input. From the beginning we should have utilized that approach and used a feasibility study to determine if (taking the proposed route east of I-65) was needed or not needed."

Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Dan Parker said he was glad Daniels "had no choice but to take his unpopular proposals off the table."

Dave Ahlberg, president of Citizens Against the Privatized Illiana Toll Road, said putting in roads should be a last alternative.

"We are enthusiastic and gratified by the governor's statement," the Morgan Township resident said after hearing the news Saturday afternoon. "If that is the case, then this is a great day for democracy."

Ahlberg said he was happy Daniel's change of opinion was caused by public participation. Earlier this month, about 1,000 residents showed up for a CAPIT meeting in Porter County to oppose the eastern leg of the proposed route.

He said the group is "cautiously optimistic" about the future, but still is concerned about transportation issues.

"We have supporters in the Lowell area," Ahlberg said, "and we want to make sure their voices will be heard."

Attempts to reach supporters of the easternmost extension of the Illiana Expressway were not successful Saturday night.

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Steven Schindler, P.E. wrote on Jun 5, 2007 9:11 AM:

" Indiana is a joke. When will US 30 be upgraded to a freeway between I-69 at Fort Wayne and I-65 at Merrillville? Do Valpo/Porter County citizens really believe that the existing US 30 is a safe, adequate highway? There are over 40 traffic lights on US 30 between Fort Wayne and Merrillville. The proposed routing of the Illiana Expressway will not bring any relief to US 30 east of I-65 at all. Indiana waited too long for this project and now it has too be located too far south where the only benefit it will provide is for Indianapolis traffic to get over to the west suburbs of Chicago much easier (via I-355). "

Tom D. wrote on Mar 25, 2007 10:13 PM:

" I hope everyone understands that this is a toll road that was being pushed on us.Also from the getgo it was to be part of a planned lease to a foreign company to run after it was built. The Illiana Tollway is still an idea and a plan to move forward west of I-65 to the Illinois line.How does a tollroad promote growth? How does a tollroad help people already stressed by everyday life?Please stop calling the Illiana an Expressway it is a Tollroad period. "

Matt wrote on Mar 25, 2007 8:55 PM:

" I live between Hebron and Lowell and am for the full plan for the illiana route. they can adjust the path to do the least damage, but I feel it is and will be needed. "

rustcity wrote on Mar 25, 2007 2:15 PM:

" It will be interesting to see how many of the protesting farmers who believe they would lose land to the Illiana Expressway will sell land to Builders when The Region expands to their area. This road had the potential of reducing pollution by routing traffic more efficiently and would certainly be more cost effective and serve far more people than the heavily subsidized proposed South Shore extensions to Valpo and Lowell. "

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