Holcomb Announces Two New Projects to Help Northeast Indiana Steel Mill

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Smith on Wednesday announced two new interchanges in the northeast region. One interchange will be located at the current intersection of U.S. 30 and County Road 700 East while the other will be at U.S. 30 and a County Road 600 East overpass.

The new projects near Columbia City are in coordination with Steel Dynamics, Inc. They were not previously on the state’s five-year strategic plan, INDOT confirmed.

“Business is booming in northeast Indiana,” Holcomb said. “Each year we’re moving 724 million tons of freight through the Hoosier state, and that number is only going to grow. We’re working to put the necessary infrastructure in place to continue that trend both safely and efficiently, providing a competitive advantage for manufacturing and distribution here in Indiana.”

Both projects will soon enter the design phase and continue through the development process before moving to construction. Funding for the proposed interchange and overpass will be split between Steel Dynamics and INDOT.

“This is just one example of how INDOT is partnering with businesses and in this case, one of the largest steel producers in the United States, to deliver transportation infrastructure solutions,” said Commissioner Smith. “Our economy relies on the efficient, reliable, safe, and secure movement of goods, materials, and services. We’re looking at construction getting underway as soon as 2029.”

INDOT Spokesman Natalie Garrett said the projects will be added to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program in an upcoming amendment.

“With construction currently planned for 2029, INDOT can incorporate these projects without delay to others. The cost share between the state and Steel Dynamics also assists our ability to add these projects to the STIP,” she said.

“We are excited to collaborate with INDOT on the proposed future improvements to U.S. 30 near our Structural and Rail Division in Columbia City,” said Barry T. Schneider, President and Chief Operating Officer of Steel Dynamics. “Safety is core to our values, and we welcome the opportunity to assist with the announced infrastructure plans to improve safety on U.S. 30 for our team members and community.”

Courtesy: www.indianacpaitalchronicle.com