Published: November 06, 2009 10:33 pm      

Heartland on schedule

Project manager says final 31 miles to open by 2013 or sooner

WABASH — After Jim Earl reported the final section of the Hoosier Heartland Corridor was on schedule and remained fully funded, he received a standing ovation.

The recognition for the Indiana Department of Transportation project manager came during the 27th annual meeting of the Hoosier Heartland Industrial Corridor Inc. at the Honeywell Center in Wabash. He updated the room of dignitaries and business leaders on the 31-mile section between Lafayette and Logansport, which is beginning to take shape in Tippecanoe County and progressing as planned in the other segments.

“We’re well under way,” Earl said.

The project, he explained, is more than halfway complete. Land acquisition on all segments will be under way by this spring and be finished by the summer of 2011. Construction in areas of the corridor should be started by 2012 and finished by 2013 or sooner.

“What I am committed to saying right now is the project will be open to traffic by 2013,” Earl said. “I’m going to do everything I can to make that a 12, but I’m promising you 2013.”

Earlier this year, Gov. Mitch Daniels once again requested the timeline be moved up. Earl pointed out the original start of construction was 2015. Since taking the reins, the schedule has been accelerated from 2010 and then to 2008.

In an interview before the meeting, keynote speaker Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman talked about the importance of the project to the many communities directly impacted by the highway’s completion.

“This is not only a boost for the modernization of our infrastructure, this is a boost for economic development,” said Skillman, who encouraged a regional approach to attracting new businesses and growing existing businesses.

“Top-tier transportation is key to a top-tier economy. It’s been proven in every part of our state, and we see nothing but great potential and growth for this region,” she said.

Earl ensured his audience that enough money from the Major Moves initiative and the federal stimulus funds is in place to see the project through.

“All the construction contracts are fully funded, as of right now, and I anticipate that they will stay that way,” he said.

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