I-74 Interchange Construction Underway

(posted Apr 27)

The I-74 groundbreaking makes the 20-year old vision a reality. The vision is to build a diamond shaped interchange at I-74 as part of the Ronald Reagan Parkway that will eventually link I-70 to I-65.

Governor Mitch Daniels, Hendricks County Commissioners and County Councilors joined in the symbolic dig. The dig marked the construction from 56th Street to US 136. Part of the $17.4 million project includes constructing a bridge over I-74.

Daniels said this is one of 400 road projects that are part of a ten-year Major Moves plan to correct the infrastructure deficit in the state. The connector is to fill the gap in the lack of north-south roadways between SR 267 and I-465. The project should remove congestion from these two road systems.

Clermont Town Councilman Walt Miller attended the ceremony. He thinks the connector, located east of CR 1000 East, will benefit the town by diverting the fuel trucks to this route. He also noted it would save him time when he needs to have access to I-74. He will no longer need to go through Speedway or to Brownsburg for interstate access.

Miller, a strong proponent of building and maintaining infrastructure, mailed a letter to the governor advocating a high-speed rail system be built from Indianapolis to Chicago. He also supports the use of linear trails and would like to become more involved with B & O Trail since it is located south of Clermont.

Part of Governor Mitch Daniels' administration is to improve Indiana's infrastructure. Building an interchange at I-74 just west of Marion County is part of the program.

Photos by Linda Karn

Hendricks County Commissioners Phyllis Palmer, Ed Schrier, and David Whicker were among the county officials that joined Governor Mitch Daniels in the ceremonial dirt tossing.