I-69 Bridge Improvement over Former Railroad Project

DES No. 2002127 (Lead) & 2201184

Anderson, Madison County, Indiana

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is developing plans for the proposed Interstate 69 (I-69) Bridge Improvement over Former Railroad Project [Des. 2002127 (lead) & 2201184], located along I-69 at INDOT Bridges I69-228-02302 BNBL (NBI number 039270) and I69-228-02302 BSBL (NBI number 039280), approximately 0.58 mile north of State Road (SR) 236 in Madison County, Indiana.

The purpose of the project is to address the current deterioration of the twin bridges and improve the overall condition ratings of the bridges to at least a 7 (good) out of 9 (excellent). The need for this project is evidenced by the deteriorated condition of the I-69 twin bridges.

The project proposes to remove the existing twin bridges and replace them with a three-sided concrete culvert (CV I69-228-10815). The new culvert will measure 195 feet long, 20 feet wide, and 14 feet tall. The concrete culvert will accommodate a 10-foot-wide wildlife path and a future 10-foot-wide trail. Headwalls and wingwalls will be constructed at both ends of the culvert and riprap will also be placed at both ends. Following construction of the culvert, the slopes along I-69 will be backfilled to match the existing profile grade of the I-69 roadway. The new typical roadway section of I-69 will include four 12-foot-wide travel lanes (two northbound and two southbound), a 52-foot-wide grassy median, interior 4-foot-wide shoulders, and exterior 11-foot-wide shoulders. All guardrails along I-69 will be replaced in kind.

The project will require approximately 2.1 acre of new permanent right-of-way. No temporary right-of-way or relocations are anticipated as part of the project. The maintenance of traffic (MOT) for the project proposes phased lane closures, lane shifts, and median crossovers. Two 11-foot-wide travel lanes in each direction will be maintained along I-69 throughout construction. Access to all properties within an adjacent to the project limits will be maintained throughout construction. The MOT will remain in place for the duration of construction. Project stakeholders including local school corporations(s) and emergency services will be notified of potential closures and/or detours prior to construction. The anticipated start of construction is Summer 2026.

The cost associated with this project is approximately $6,842,012 which includes preliminary engineering, right-of-way, and construction with both federal and state funds anticipated to be used.

PROJECT UPDATES

NOTICE OF PROJECT ADVANCEMENT – July 2025

The purpose of this notice is to communicate the status of the I-69 Bridge Improvement over Former Railroad project (Des. Nos. 2002127 & 2201184) to community members, as well as to formally announce the conclusion of the environmental analysis phase and transition to the next phase of development. The project is located along I-69 at Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Bridges I69-228-02302 BNBL (NBI number 039270) and I69-228-02302 BSBL (NBI number 039280), 0.58 mile north of SR 236 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.

The project met the minimum requirements described in the current INDOT Project Development Public Involvement Procedures Manual which required the project sponsor to offer the public an opportunity to submit comments and/or request a public hearing. The opportunity to request a public hearing was held as part of the environmental analysis phase as required per the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Public involvement is an important element of a comprehensive decision-making process.

A Legal Notice of Planned Improvement was published in The Herald Bulletin on April 29, 2025 and again, seven (7) days later, on May 6, 2025. The environmental document and a project information packet were made available online at the American Structurepoint, Inc. website and in-person at the Anderson Public Library (111 East 12th Street, Anderson, Indiana 46016). The public comment period was closed on May 14, 2025, which was fifteen (15) days from the first advertising date on April 29, 2025. All comments and concerns were coordinated with the project team as they were received. No requests for a public hearing were received. Therefore, no public hearing was required for the project. No changes to the proposed project were made as a result of the comments received. INDOT certified that the project met the public involvement requirements on May 28, 2025.

Subsequent to reviewing and considering all comments and materials received as a result of the opportunity to request a public hearing, INDOT will advance this project to the next phase of development with construction anticipated to take place in 2026. Environmental analysis documentation will remain available for public inspection during normal office hours at the Anderson Public Library – 111 East 12th Street, Anderson, Indiana 46016 and at the links below.