Governor Mitch Daniels joined Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Commissioner Michael Reed today together with local officials to break ground and kick off construction for the Major Moves New Interchange at I-65 and 109th Street in Crown Point.

“Thanks to funds made available by the Major Moves transportation plan, today we break ground on a project that will relieve congestion and improve connectivity for local residents and motorists traveling through Northwest Indiana,” said Governor Daniels. “The direct access provided by the new interchange will offer major economic benefits to Crown Point and Winfield.”

Today’s groundbreaking marks the beginning of an $8.2 million new interchange project on 109th Street that will stretch approximately 1,000 feet to either side of I-65. Approximately 0.42 miles of 109th Street will be fully replaced with concrete pavement, featuring left- and right-turn lanes for the new I-65 onramps. The diamond interchange will feature traffic signals for vehicles to access or exit the ramps. The new interchange will divert traffic from adjacent congested interchanges at U.S. 231 and U.S. 30. It also could bring major economic benefits to Crown Point and Winfield by improving access to existing and future development, allowing businesses to expand in size and employment.

Two-way traffic will be maintained through the project this year, but there will be a closure on 109th Street at I-65 in spring 2010. Shoulder restrictions will also occur on I-65 where the new ramps are being constructed. The project is scheduled for completion in 2010.

The interchange project was originally schedule for construction in 2012 but the City wanted the project built on a faster timeframe to help meet the growing community needs. INDOT worked with local officials to form a partnership where the preconstruction elements of the project, including the design and right-of-way acquisition, were managed by the City similar to that of a local project. The project was let and awarded through the state bidding process and INDOT is now managing the project during construction in order to adhere to all state and federal regulations.

“This project is a great example of local and state government working together towards a common goal,” Commissioner Reed said. “I’m happy to stand here today celebrating this collaboration.”

Crown Point Mayor David Uran added that Crown Point has seen rapid growth over the past several years and this new interchange can bring more opportunities to our community. “The interchange will offer direct access to our commercial and residential areas which will help support existing and future development plans in addition to providing an improved travel time for our local residents along the corridor.”

Gov. Mitch Daniels’ Major Moves transportation plan capitalizes on Indiana’s strategic location at the Crossroads of America by building a superior road infrastructure. When Major Moves is complete, $12 billion in critical highway projects will have been built. This innovative plan will bring jobs to the Hoosier state and leave a legacy for Indiana to be a global leader in distribution and logistics.