Temporary asphalt plant is leaving Delphi residents in the dust

DELPHI, Ind. (WLFI) - A unexpected asphalt plant seems to be leaving some Delphi residents in the dust. But the Department of Transportation says it's a necessary evil.

"It's dangerous to even ride your bicycle out here anymore," said a Delphi resident.

Whether you're riding your bicycle or cruising on through in a car, neighbors on South Road in Delphi said there's been an increase in traffic recently.

"Traffic has quadrupled since it's been in. Even traffic through here. Cars are trying to avoid come through here to get around or just come through to see what it is," said a Delphi resident.

What is it? It's a temporary asphalt plant. The plant was placed in Delphi on South Road to be a quick stop for truckers working on the Hoosier Heartland corridor.

"It can provide all the asphalt or cement or whatever it that plant is producing. That's why it's so necessary with a project as big as the Hoosier Heartland. They have to have that access or otherwise it would take a lot longer and cost a lot more," said INDOT Spokesperson Matt Deitchley.

But it's not just traffic issues.  Residents told NewsChannel 18 the plant is making the roads more dusty. INDOT representatives said they are aware of the concerns and have taken action to help the situation.

"With this job and because of the conditions of the drought, they've actually hired on, so there's a full-time guy. His only job is to run around and use that water truck to try and keep that dust down," said Deitchley.

Deitchley said they also paved the entrance to the plant to try an reduce stirring up dust. Despite these improvements, neighbors still say there's no getting used to the noise.

Deitchley said the plant will remain in Delphi well into next year. They understand it can be an inconvenience but he said the pay off when the Hoosier Heartland is complete will be worth it.

INDOT representatives said the portion of the Hoosier Heartland, between Delphi and Lafayette, should open at the end of November. The entire corridor, between Lafayette and Logansport, is slated to be complete by the end of next year.