The Indiana Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that $155.6 million in federal transportation funding is being awarded to 51 cities, towns and counties in rural portions of Indiana to invest in local road and bridge improvements and sidewalk projects.
Among the recipients is Montgomery County, which was awarded $16,036,200 for the Nucor Road intersection improvement project.
The county has identified the intersection of U.S. 136 and Nucor Road as extremely dangerous and intends to install an overpass over U.S. 136 at the location.
“Nucor and many of the other manufacturers in the corridor have voiced their support for our project,” Montgomery County Commissioner John Frey said. “INDOT obviously sees the value as well with this investment in our community.”
Frey said county commissioners as well as members of the county council and redevelopment commission have been working on this project for years.
He added that more than a decade ago, an engineering company was hired by Duke Energy to conduct a site readiness study. The study looked at factors company site selectors use to determine if a company should build or expand in that area. The engineering report identified the intersection of U.S. 136 and Nucor Road as a liability and would likely be a deterrent.
Recently, the county hired Loughmiller Group to design an overpass for the intersection. The design is proceeding and the purchase of right of way is mostly completed. The design will be reviewed by another engineering firm this month, as required by the state.
Environmental documents are also being prepared. Documents have been submitted to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
A public meeting to review the overpass project will be conducted in May or June.
The estimated cost of the project, including design, right of way, construction and inspection is $21.889 million.
The recently awarded state grant will pay for 80% of the construction and inspection costs. The county will be responsible for the remaining 20%.
Once the funding is received and the environmental review is completed, the county can award construction bids, which will likely take place in September. Construction would start after the bid award and continue through 2025 and into part of 2026.
Frey credited the team of county officials for their vision, determination and guidance and expertise of the Lochmueller Group for making the overpass project possible.
“Montgomery County is going to benefit from this for generations,” he said.
While the funds awarded in this latest round are dedicated to construction, INDOT will also financially participate in design, engineering and right-of-way acquisition components.
Federal transportation funds are leveraged by many communities to rehabilitate or replace local bridges. As INDOT continues to partner with local governments to make record investments in taking care of existing roads and bridges, this round of funding awards emphasizes improving local bridge conditions. Nearly $90.3 million in federal funds were awarded for projects to rehab or replace 32 local bridges currently rated in poor condition. Beyond bridge projects, these funds will support pavement resurfacing/reconstruction projects; Transportation Alternative Program projects such as sidewalks, ADA ramps and trails; and traffic safety projects.
INDOT dedicates approximately 25% of its federal highway funds to supporting local projects each year. Metropolitan Planning Organizations distribute those funds to cities, towns and counties within the state’s larger urbanized areas while INDOT distributes funds outside MPO areas. Communities must contribute at least 20% in local matching funds and meet other federal requirements to receive federal funding.
Communities were invited to submit project applications to INDOT for potential funding during a call for projects announced in November 2023.
