STUDY AREA
Where is the Study Area?
Study Process: What is IJR?
The Interchange Justification Report (IJR) is a stand-alone document which constitutes a request from INDOT for FHWA approval of new or revised access to the existing Interstate System. The document will demonstrate that reasonable care has been taken in addressing the criteria described in the Federal Register of February 11, 1998, confirming that future traffic operations along the affected Interstate corridor will not be adversely affected by the proposed action.
IJR = Interchange Justification Report
Study Process: What is NEPA?
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to integrate environmental values into their decision making processes by considering the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and reasonable alternatives to those actions.
Project Timeline
DataCollection
Interchange Justification
Environmental Documentation
Alternative Selection Detailed Design Right of Way Acquisition
BeginConstruction
Summer 2012
Project Development Process 2013 2014
Community Advisory Committee Meeting December 2012
We are here
Public MeetingWinter 2012
Public Hearing Spring 2013
Community Advisory Committee MeetingFebruary 2013
What Have Stakeholders Said?
Improve East-West connectivityRelieve traffic congestion in the areaCoordinate with future land use plansCoordinate with local land owners regarding the Right of Way Acquisition processEnhance economic growth potential in the area
Purpose and Need – What Is It?
An important factor in selecting the best alternative is the ability to address the Purpose and Need for improvements. Therefore, it is important to have a good understanding of those needs as we identify possible alternatives. Based on the technical analysis and public involvement findings, five transportation needs have been initially identified.
Stakeholder Input
Technical Analysis
Purpose & Need
A concise statement of the transportation problems to be addressed.
1. Improve Roadway Connectivity
2. Enhance Safety in the Corridor
3. Reduce Congestion at Existing Interchanges
4. Foster Economic Growth5. Maintain Consistency
with Local & Regional Planning
What Are the Technical Findings?
Improve operations of Main Street interchange by reducing traffic by 30%Improve travel speeds and Level of Service on Interstate 65Reduce expected crashes on I-65 and surface streets in the areaOperate at reasonably free flow with forecasted traffic demands
Land Acquisition Process
INDOT priority is to work with the property owners to
minimize impacts of all projects.
Process may begin after a Record of Decision.
Process would include a plat of highway, independent
appraisal, an offer, and a period of negotiations.
Must propose fair market compensation for needed
property
Eminent Domain or Condemnation are always considered
to be last resorts.
What is the Land Acquisition Process?
Express Your Opinion
Comment FormsWritten and online comment formsComments received by Dec. 19, 2012 will be reviewed for future consideration and incorporation.
Alternatives Identification &
Screening
Alternatives Evaluation
Stakeholder Input >Refine >Evaluate
Best Blend of: Improved Travel
Performance Avoid, minimize and
mitigate Environmental Impacts
Compatibility with Community Goals
Refine
Stakeholder InputEvaluate
Cons
Reduces traffic congestion in the study area
Improves safety in the study area Least conflict points Provides free west to north movement
onto the interstate Simple bridge structure
Highest overall project cost Most right of way required Greatest impact to farmlands Pond impact in southeast quadrant
Parclo A4
Pros
Cons
Reduces traffic congestion in the study area
Improves safety in the study area Fewest parcels impacted Minimize impact to property in southwest
quadrant Heavy west to north movement provided
by right turn loop
Lowest traffic capacity Highest crash risk Most excess right of way required Largest footprint Pond impact in southeast quadrant
Pros
Parclo A2
Diverging Diamond Interchange
Cons
Reduces traffic congestion in the study area. Most efficient
Improves safety in the study area. Least crash risk
Provides free movements onto the interstate
Least right of way required Lowest overall project cost Avoids pond in southeast quadrant Fewest impact to farmlands
• Most parcels impacted• Counter intuitive for drivers• Lower speed for through movements
Pros
Thank youIf you have additional questions
please find one of our Team Members