August 23, 2013
08/26/13 Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) Thursday toured the New U.S. 31 Plymouth to South Bend project with Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) officials.
“I appreciate the opportunity to tour the U.S. 31 construction between South Bend and Plymouth with the Indiana Department of Transportation to view the progress on this critical project that is set to improve highway safety and reduce travel time for Hoosiers,” said Congresswoman Walorski.
The 20-mile U.S. 31 corridor between U.S. 30 in Marshall County and the U.S. 20 bypass in St. Joseph County is scheduled to open at the end of 2014. The $223 million Plymouth to South Bend project is part of a larger effort that includes upgrading or bypassing heavily-traveled U.S. 31 sections near Kokomo and Indianapolis.
The New U.S. 31 Plymouth to South Bend includes 15 miles of new rural freeway, much of which has already been paved, and four new interchanges. As construction approaches U.S. 20 near South Bend, traffic will see increased restrictions and lane closures through 2014.
At the end of the 10-year Major Moves highway program in 2015, a total of 32 stoplights will have been removed from U.S. 31 between Indianapolis and South Bend, saving drivers a half hour of travel time. The projects are intended to reduce congestion, improve safety and provide continuity of commerce and regional travel for a U.S. highway that stretches from Michigan to Alabama.
Pictured (left to right): Mike Monahan (IN DOT Area Engineer), Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, Troy Woodruff (IN DOT Chief of Staff)