Hoosier Heartland to open in 2013

WABASH, Ind. - Good news was given to all those involved in the Hoosier Heartland Corridor project.

"Everything is going as planned, construction is getting completed, the project is fully funded. We couldn't be happier right now," said INDOT Project Engineer James Earl II.

Earl detailed the status of the 31 mile highway project at the 27th annual Hoosier Heartland Industrial Corridor meeting. Earl said despite much work ahead he expects the new highway to be open to traffic by 2013.

"There are always challenges whether you have them in design or construction. As of right now all the challenges that we are aware of are being handled. Those that come up we handle as quickly as we can, but so far nothing has put a damper on what we've been doing," said Earl.

Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman praised the success of the project and said the new highway will drive big business to Indiana.

"This is not only a celebration of the completion of the corridor that's at hand, but it's also a celebration of economic development throughout the region. We know that top tier transportation is key to a top tier economy," said Skillman.

Earl said by streamlining certain processes and working to accelerate land acquisition there is a possibility that the open date could be pushed up even more.

"A lot of people would like to see that by 2012. I would like to try to do as much as I can, but there are a lot of things that are out of our hands right now that we're working on. If we can get those better in our control we might be able to push that closer to 2012," said Earl.