Officials from the Indiana Department of Transportation will soon begin a Planning and Environment Linkages study aimed to improve the U.S. 30 corridor from Valparaiso to the Ohio state line.
President of the U.S. 30 Coalition, Mayor Joe Thallemer, stated in a press release that the Coalition members believe that a freeway will resolve safety and economic disadvantages with the current highway.
INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness said the study will look at various options to improve the safety, traffic flow, freight movement and economic development potential of the corridor, including the construction of a freeway. However, it is also expected to consider information about the importance of the current highway.
Additionally, INDOT has agreed to place a moratorium on J-Turn intersection improvements until the study is complete. However, plans for a J-Turn already under contract in Whitley County will continue. Any other projects will not interfere with the study.
Members of the U.S. 30 Coalition are anticipated to work with INDOT through the entire process to ensure that interests in each community are represented.
