Business booms along US 24 highway

WABASH, Ind. (WLFI) - The thought of a new bypass like the Hoosier Heartland Corridor might have some wondering what would happen to a city's downtown after a decrease in traffic. For one community, its downtown has only grown.

After the U.S. 24 bypass was completed in Wabash in the late 70s, businesses have been migrating to the corridor ever since. For the city's downtown, the same could also be said. Shops, attractions, a new hotel and even a new $15 million YMCA fill the area.

"We've tried very hard with the chamber and economic development people to encourage people to buy locally and don't forget the moms and pops," said Wabash Mayor Bob Vanlandingham.

Vanlandingham said it's not the new businesses along a new corridor that can drive a smaller business out, it's where the people decide to shop.

"Yes, I think that can happen, but you have to make a conscientious effort to take care of the people that got you there," said Vanlandingham.

Mayor Vanlandingham expects future growth along U.S. 24, which is why the city recently purchased 240 acres along that stretch of road for a future industrial park.

"Hopefully we can get it up and rolling here very shortly," said Vanlandingham.

The property is shovel ready and is currently in the process of annexation, which will take a few months.

Just as the city of Wabash has seen economic growth thanks to a bypass, Delphi Mayor Randy Strasser is hoping for similar results.

"We need to have a destination. We need to have those buildings and things here as a destination for people to get off of the interstate grade four-lane and be able to come into town," said Strasser.

While some people have high hopes for the new Hoosier Heartland Corridor (HHC), others are just hoping the new bypass won't hurt business.

"I don't think it's us that's going to be the problem as far as our business and the way it looks and the way it's operated. I think it's going to be if we have enough traffic to maintain it," said Dave Morrison, owner of Morrison's Citgo in Americus who is concerned about a drop in. Morrison's business sits along State Road 25, a road that will be less traveled once the HHC opens.

Indiana Department of Transportation spokesperson Debbie Calder said the 35 mile stretch of the HHC that runs from Lafayette to Logansport is scheduled to open for traffic in November of 2013.
The existing State Road 25 will then be turned over to county officials.