The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is developing plans for the proposed replacement of the small structure located on US 421 over the East Arm of Slocum Ditch, 1.18 miles north of the intersection of US 421 and US 30 at RP 216+10 In LaPorte County

The need for this project is based on the deteriorating conditions present in the aging structure and its substandard clear roadway width.

The project extends approximately 500 feet south of the existing small structure.

The Maintenance of Traffic is in the planning stage, however, the current plan is to construct a detour route around the small structure site.

Construction of the project will require approximately 0.65 acres of permanent right-of-way. No displacement of residents or business will be involved with this project.

The cost of this project is estimated at $800,000. At present, we are planning to use both state and federal funds for construction of the project. However, construction of the project is contingent upon available funding.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Indiana Department of Transportation have agreed that this project falls within the guidelines of a Categorical Exclusion Level 3 with no adverse effects.

Preliminary design plans, along with the environmental document and other information, are being made available for review in the following offices:
1. Hearings Examiner, Room N642, Indiana Government Center North, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2219, Phone (317) 232-6602
2. LaPorte County Auditor Office, 813 Lincolnway Ste. 203, Courthouse, LaPorte, IN 46350, Phone (219) 326-6808
3. Planning and Programmin office, Indiana Department of Transportation LaPorte District, office at 315 E Boyd, LaPorte, Indiana 46350, Phone (219) 362-6125
All interested persons may request a public hearing or express their concerns by submitting comments to the attention of Nicole Gearlds, Program Coordinator with INDOT, 100 N Senate Avenue, Room N642, Indianapolis, IN 46304-2216, on or before February 10, 2010.

If a hearing is determined to be in the best interest of the public, a notice will be advertised wit the date, time and location. Otherwise, any comments or materials received for the record will be considered in the decision-making process.

This notice is published in compliance with Code of Federal Regulations. Title 23, Section 771 (CFR 771.111 (h) (1) states: “Each state must have procedures approved by the FHWA to carry out a public involvement/public hearing program.” 23 CFR 450.212 (a)(7) states: Public involvement procedures shall provide for periodic review of the effectiveness of the public involvement process to ensure that the process provides full and open access to all and revision of the process necessary.” Approved by the FHWA, U.s. Department of Transportation on April 1, 2009.

Indiana Department of Transportation
Nicole Gearlds, Program Coordinator
Phone: (317) 232-6602
E-mail: ngearlds@indot.in.gov
2 X: 1-27-10 & 2-3-10