Published: August 31, 2009 09:15 pm      

Decision made regarding Ind. 75

Carroll County picks option that gives Burrows two access points to Heartland.

DELPHI — In a special Hoosier Heartland meeting Monday, Carroll County commissioners voted to present the Indiana Department of Transportation with an option for the Burrows area that will give the town two access points.

According to Commissioner Pat Clawson, the 3-0 decision was the best of the six alternatives they had to chose from. He also believes their choice pleased the most people.

“I think we came to a very wise decision,” Clawson said. “I’m hoping it meets our needs and keeps people happy.”

One major concern included access to the highway from the north for Burrows’ firefighters leaving on an emergency run from the community located 10 miles southwest of Logansport. INDOT’s original proposal only had one local road access as a cost-savings measure.

The commission’s choice, known as No. 5, will provide entry at 900N, as well as 100E. Clawson reported that the Liberty Township Fire Department approved of the proposal.

Another concern addressed at the two-hour public meeting was how Ind. 75 would extend north from Camden to the Hoosier Heartland. Carroll County Highway Engineer Paul Couts said Ind. 75 would connect to 50W at 750N then continue north before veering northwest to cross the railroad tracks and the Hoosier Heartland. Ind. 75 would curve to the east then back to the corridor for access between Rockfield and Burrows. Couts called it a trumpet design.

With option No. 5, there will not be a local road connector at 100W and 750N, Couts said.

Clawson said he stressed keeping costs to the county at a minimum. The price tag on at least one option topped $1.5 million. Clawson said he would rather spend that money maintaining the roads already under the county’s care. Option No. 5 will cost the county nothing, he said.

Carroll County officials were up against a deadline in providing a proposal to INDOT. Clawson said Hoosier Heartland Project Manager Jim Earl attended the meeting. The commissioner got the impression the county’s wishes would be incorporated into the final plans for the limited access highway between Logansport and Lafayette.

INDOT has already awarded $1.2 million in federal money for the extension. Because of the chance for a railway connection and Camden extending water and sewer services to Burrows, Couts and other officials see the highway infrastructure improvement as a potential for future economic development.

“A decision has been made, and it’s good for Carroll County,” Couts said.

• Kevin Lilly is news editor of the Pharos-Tribune. He can be reached at (574) 732-5117 or kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com