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Indianapolis Star
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Indianapolis Star
Indiana tolls on I-65? I don't like it, but our crumbling roads need the cash.
When I head to Chicago or Nashville, I know I'll be receiving a tolling invoice in the mail soon after. It's a minor inconvenience because I don't use those routes very often. But the prospect of Indiana tolling interstates within state lines is an entirely different discussion. I take Interstate 65 to and from work almost every day and I would no doubt rack up a ridiculous bill — at the same time that I'm paying high gas taxes every time I fill up. My immediate reaction is: no way. But I'm trying to see all sides of the debate. The fact is Hoosiers love to complain about our roads, but no one wants to pay to improve them. And our roads aren't that bad depending on who you ask. The Indiana Department of Transportation compared Indiana to neighboring states on 12 criteria, including road and bridge conditions, fatality rates, travel reliability and more: 'INDOT ranked in the top 3rd in 5 areas and in the middle 3rd in the others,' the 2024 report said. The federal Bureau of Transportation Statistics also rates 97% of Indiana's roads as 'good' or 'fair.' But a Reason Foundation analysis found Indiana ranked 32nd in highway performance nationally. And the money raised from Indiana's fuel-related taxes simply isn't keeping up with demand. That's partially because people are purchasing less gasoline. Newer cars are more efficient, and some cars don't need it at all. Inflation has also spiked the cost of repairing or replacing roads and bridges. So, Indiana — and every other state — has a diminishing revenue stream but more roads than ever to maintain. And when I say Indiana, I don't just mean state-owned roads. Most of the roads in the state are cared for by counties, cities and towns — about 89%. Their needs are immense. One analysis said local governments would require an additional $2.4 billion annually to eliminate poorly rated local roads and bridges across the state over the next 10 years. The annual price tag for simply maintaining roads at the current condition is $1 billion. So, would any of the additional revenue raised from tolls go to local infrastructure? More from Niki Kelly: Indiana's crackdown on small college programs will drive students away Lawmakers recently tried to think outside the box and offer other options. One was a surcharge on deliveries, such as Amazon and DoorDash. That language was removed pretty quickly. The state is also trying to force local units into implementing wheel taxes to take some ownership of the problem and raise fees and taxes at the local level. But those are honestly just nibbling around the edges of the problem. Tolling is where the money is at. And it's a lot of money. One 2017 feasibility study produced for INDOT estimated that a statewide interstate highway tolling program would have an 85% chance of generating upwards of $39 billion between 2021 and 2050. It further reported a 50% chance that revenue could exceed $53 billion over that timeframe. The estimates didn't include the costs to install and maintain tolling gantries, process payments, provide customer service, enforce collections and more. Former Gov. Eric Holcomb chose not to go down that route, but Gov. Mike Braun appears to be more interested. And lawmakers recently removed some final impediments to imposing tolling on state highways. 'It's going to have to be considered because, otherwise, I don't think we can maintain our main arteries,' Braun said earlier this year. Tolling interstates isn't as clear-cut as it seems. It's generally against federal law to collect tolls on existing federal highways. But Congress has allowed several exceptions. For instance, a state can toll an existing bridge after it is reconstructed and toll new lanes added to an interstate. Briggs: Mike Braun grandstands on Indianapolis crime while murders drop 24% The option that is most expansive is the Interstate System Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Pilot Program, which allows tolling on existing interstate facilities to fund needed reconstruction or rehabilitation on corridors that could not otherwise be adequately maintained or functionally improved. It has only three slots — awarded to Missouri, North Carolina and Virginia years ago. But those states never implemented the program, which has essentially been inactive. INDOT said it has not filed a waiver request on tolling — yet. I honestly don't see how tolling in some way can be avoided. Leaders want to capture the trucks and travelers passing through Indiana without stopping for gas. But it'll be tough to avoid hurting Hoosiers already paying their fair share.


Chicago Tribune
17-07-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Trail and road improvements recommended to improve access to Porter Beach
Recommending trail and road improvements that would ease access for pedestrians and bicyclists to Porter Beach is the focus of an engineering firm's study presented Wednesday at the Porter Plan Commission meeting. The Butler, Fairman & Seufert firm of Merrillville was hired in 2022 after the town and the Indiana Dunes National Park obtained a $750,000 grant from the Federal Land Access Program. The study focused on improving connectivity from U.S. 20 north to Porter Beach. Porter is also working to extend its trail on Waverly Road north to U.S. 20, creating a link to its downtown area. Rob Albrecht-Mallinger, the plan commission's chairman, noted that with the South Shore railroad's track upgrade and the ongoing Marquette Greenway project, a trail that will one day stretch from Chicago to New Buffalo, Michigan, the town will see more tourism. 'Porter is extremely well-positioned to be in a web of multiple places to go and places to come from,' Albrecht-Mallinger said. The goal is to bring people into town with easy access to trails for use by pedestrians and bicyclists, Albrecht-Mallinger said. Alex Olesker of Butler, Fairman & Seufert envisioned executing the plan in three phases. He didn't share financial figures, but it will run into the millions of dollars. One major construction project would be installing a roundabout at U.S. 12 and Waverly Road, which Olesker said would probably cost around $4 million. The initial phase would be to put a multi-use trail from Porter Beach on the east side of Wabash Avenue to Roskin Road, crossing before the bend at Waverly Road and then installing a trail on the north side of State Park Road over to Indiana 49. There are currently no trails on Wabash Avenue to the beach, creating a hazardous situation where pedestrians and bicyclists are on the road. 'Getting down to Wabash from Waverly is really unsafe,' Albrecht-Mallinger said. The project's second phase would develop a trail on Waverly Road from U.S. 20 north to U.S. 12. 'A lot of people on Waverly Road are excited about a sidewalk, rather than having people walk up the road,' said Michael Barry, Porter's director of development and building commissioner. Barry said that N. Bailey Road could be used as a shared roadway for bicyclists and pedestrians to access the Dunes-Kankakee Trail, which runs parallel to Indiana 49 from the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center to the Indiana Dunes State Park entrance. The third phase would be to address the dangerous intersection of Waverly Road and U.S. 12, which has poor sight lines that contribute to crashes. Olesker said they are recommending a roundabout as the superior option to a traffic signal because it would slow traffic and eliminate the sight line issue. 'A traffic light would not solve the horizontal sight line issues, which are the main cause of accidents,' Olesker said. The Indiana Department of Transportation would be the main funding source and overseer of a roundabout project. Olesker said if the funding came earlier, the roundabout project could even coincide with the first phase. Jim Eriksson, a plan commission member, wondered if a roundabout would work because of all the semi-truck traffic on U.S. 12. 'I am really more concerned about the road and the roundabout, because I don't know how you would get a semi into a roundabout,' Eriksson said. But Andrea Langille, an engineer from Butler, Fairman & Seufert, said that roundabouts are designed to be capable of handling semi-truck traffic. The pedestrian/bicyclist path crossing would be placed just east of the roundabout, Olesker said. Breanna Heath, a bicyclist, said she would never attempt to cross there without a traffic signal. 'I would avoid that whole mess. It's way too scary,' Heath said. She noted that State Park Road or the Calumet Trail, which runs north of the South Shore tracks and is part of the Marquette Greenway, would be a better alternative. But Olesker noted that a roundabout would slow down traffic considerably. 'Right now, that's an uncontrolled intersection. Speeds are high,' Olesker said. The last phase of the project would be to widen portions of Waverly Road between U.S. 12 and State Park Road. Olesker said that much of the pedestrian path would have to be a boardwalk because it is a wetland and the Dunes Creek runs through that parcel. All of the projects would require the acquisition of 17 acres of right-of-way. However, Olesker said that 14 of the acres identified are owned by the Indiana Dunes National Park. Another recommendation would be to install a 'Smart Parking' system at Porter Beach, which would be linked to an electronic board that would inform motorists about the parking lot availability. Overcrowded conditions at Porter Beach and the neighboring Indiana Dunes State Park are an ongoing issue during the summer. Porter Police are frequently called in to help direct traffic. Barry said that there have been discussions about a shuttle bus that would transport people to the beach, reducing the number of vehicles.


Indianapolis Star
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Indianapolis Star
It's illegal to ride a horse faster than 10 mph. Here are 10 traffic laws for Indiana
Indiana highways and roadways stretch across miles of mostly flat land, with over 240 state roads and 13 interstate highways. Not all of these roadways are navigated under the same traffic laws. Generally speaking, Indiana Code applies statewide, but different cities have their own codes on the books. In South Bend, you're not allowed to put your head through the sunroof of a car while a vehicle is being driven. In Indianapolis, horses are considered vehicles on the road and are limited to a speed of 10 mph. Indiana has more than 97,000 miles of roadways, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation. Whether you are a native Hoosier or just traveling through the crossroads of America, here's a look at some of the state's traffic laws if you want to avoid a ticket. In Indianapolis, horses are considered vehicles and are subject to speed limits and the requirement of warning flags on public roads. The code states that no horse shall be driven or ridden on any street in the city at a speed more than 10 MPH, and every horse shall be kept under control at all times by the person in charge of it. Horse riders must follow all the same traffic laws that apply to regular motor vehicles. If you approach a disabled vehicle on the side of a road or highway with its flashers on, you must move over to another lane. This applies to drivers on all Indiana roads, including two-lane roads where there might not be room to move over. If that's the case, or if you can't safely switch lanes on a four-lane road, the law says you need to slow down by 10 mph below the speed limit to stay in compliance. The "Move Over" law was originally put in place to protect emergency vehicles that had pulled over on the side of the road. Drivers aren't allowed to stop, stand, or park on the shoulder of an interstate, unless it's an actual emergency. Drivers who fail to switch lanes when approaching a disabled vehicle on the side of the road that has its flashers on could receive a class B infraction. Drivers must provide identifying information like name, address, and date of birth, or their ID to law enforcement during a traffic stop if there is a valid reason for the stop by an officer. Refusing to provide your identity during a lawful stop can lead to a Class C misdemeanor, which carries up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Indiana's hands-free law prohibits drivers from using any electronic device like a cellphone in their hands while operating a vehicle unless they're using it with a hands-free or voice-activated feature. Serious traffic crashes and deaths have risen sharply across the U.S., largely due to distracted driving. In 15 states with hands-free laws, traffic deaths dropped by an average of 16%, according to federal data. You can face a fine of up to $500, plus points on your driving record, if you're caught breaking this law. Indiana uses a point system for traffic violations, and accumulating 20 points within two years can lead to license suspension. Technically, there isn't a statewide law that specifically outlaws cutting through parking lots, but you could still run into trouble in a few ways. ⚠️ 1. Local OrdinancesMany towns or cities in Indiana include local traffic rules that apply to parking lots. In Greenville, Indiana, it is illegal to drive across parking lots, sidewalks, or curbs to bypass traffic backups at road intersections within the town limits unless you're driving a lawn tractor or being directed by police during emergencies. Violators can be fined $50 by the Greenville Marshal Department. 🚫 2. Trespassing or Private Property RulesParking lots are usually private property, so cutting through them, especially just to skip a red light or traffic, can get you in trouble. If the property owner decides to enforce their rules, you could end up facing trespassing charges or even a civil lawsuit.🚓 3. Moving Violation / Reckless DrivingIf taking a shortcut puts other drivers or pedestrians in danger, you could be hit with a 'reckless driving' ticket or another moving violation. 👮 4. Enforceable on Private PropertySome traffic laws, like DUI, reckless driving, or ignoring signs, can be enforced on private property if the lot is open to the public and properly signed per municipal agreement. Indiana law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. The state mandates minimum liability coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage in a single accident. Anybody under the age of 18 is required to wear a helmet and eye protection, but the state doesn't have any law that requires the life-saving accessories for adults. Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), also known as a DUI, is a serious offense defined by the state's legal limits for blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A BAC of 0.08% or higher for drivers 21 and over, 0.02% for those under 21, and 0.04% for commercial drivers can lead to an OWI charge. Penalties include fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory substance abuse programs. Drivers are required to stay out of the left lane except when passing or preparing to turn. Indiana Code states that drivers should move to the right lane when another vehicle is overtaking them from behind. You can pass another vehicle on the right, but only in certain situations: But there's an important catch: Even if those conditions are met, you can only pass on the right if it's safe. And you're not allowed to drive off the main part of the road, like onto the shoulder or grass, to make the pass.


Indianapolis Star
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Indianapolis Star
Crews installing higher speed limit signs on I-465. Here's how long it will take
Can't drive 55? That's OK on most of 465, where the speed limit is bumping to 65 mph. Crews out along I-465 on July 1 are updating signage with the higher limit. The 10 mph speed limit increase came with the passage of House Enrolled Act 1461, signed into law May 1 by Gov. Mike Braun. HEA 1461 is largely a major road funding bill that also clears the path for new toll roads across the state. The I-465 speed limit provision was added while the bill was in the Indiana Senate. The work should cause "minimal traffic impacts" and drivers should expect daytime shoulder closures, the Indiana Department of Transportation said in a news release. Installation is set to take about a week, weather permitting. Once the signs are installed, the speed limit will increase on most of I-465, with exceptions "due to existing construction or design limitations," INDOT said. The speed limit will increase in construction areas once work is complete.


Indianapolis Star
25-06-2025
- General
- Indianapolis Star
Restored covered bridge 'a work of art and engineering' opens on Geist Greenway
The historic centerpiece of a new greenway is now in place. After a six-year restoration project, the Bell Ford Covered Bridge is open on the Geist Greenway at 104th Street and Florida Road over Fall Creek in Geist Park. The result: a 160-foot bridge using 40% of the original timber and 60% of the steel beams, with a couple of modern touches like translucent side panels and soft lighting inside. 'It's rare that a park feature can offer beauty, function and historical significance all in one,' said Chris Stice, Director of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation. 'This is a work of art and engineering, one of its kind in the world.' Hamilton County acquired the 156-year-old bridge from Jackson County, where it had sat in storage after collapsing into the White River two decades earlier. Officials shipped the bridge to Hamilton County, which hired a firm to rebuild it piece by piece to replicate its original grandeur. The Bell Ford is the last remaining covered bridge in the United States with a combination of timber and wrought iron truss — known as a Combination Post Truss Bridge — and is on the National Register of Historic Places. County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said he expected the unique architecture to make it a tourist destination. In fact, he said, it already is. "I'm hearing from a lot of people already thanking us for this and the calls are from all over Indiana,'' said Heirbrandt. The bridge officially opened June 19 in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Heirbrandt, who led the effort to get the bridge, said the project has been the most satisfying of his career on the commission. 'It has been amazing to see this through from beginning to end and all the collaboration involved,' Heirbrandt said. The agencies involved in the $3.8 million project to move the bridge included Hamilton County Parks and Recreation, the County Highway Department, the city of Fishers, Indiana Department of Transportation, Fall Creek Township and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization. Jackson County did not have the money to take the Bell Ford out of storage and fix it so it gave it to Hamilton County in return for a $25,000 donation to Jackson County's Round Barn Restoration Fund. One section of the bridge collapsed into the White River in Seymour during a storm in 1999, and the other half fell in 2006. The parts were hoisted from the riverbed and saved in a Jackson County barn, were a bridge historian and engineer kept detailed instructions on its design. VS Engineering, of Indianapolis, restored the bridge. The $4.2 million Geist Greenway stretches from 104th Street to 126th Street east of Olio Road. Plans call for extensions to 131st Street to the north, linking with the Saxony development, to 96th Street to the south, a distance of 5 miles.