At-grade intersection recommended for Project 421

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Indiana Department of Transportation News Release

At-grade intersection for Project 421 minimizes impacts to historic properties, improves safety and traffic flow


MADISON, Ind. – After nearly a year of studies and public input, Alternative 6 – the at-grade alternative – meets the purpose and need for Project 421 while minimizing environmental and historic impacts. This alternative connects State Road 56/Main Street and U.S. Highway 421 to the Milton-Madison Bridge with an at-grade intersection at 2nd Street.

To make this recommendation, INDOT’s consulting engineering firm – Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (CMT) – reviewed public feedback, evaluated the impacts to historic properties, and conducted initial traffic and environmental studies. Reconstructing this half-mile section of U.S. 421 will address safety concerns and mobility challenges, and help meet the economic development needs of Madison.

The recommended alternative will improve corridor safety by more than 20 percent, while the grade separated alternative improved safety by 13 percent. This alternative also provides an overall reduction in corridor noise levels and fewer impacts to the National Historic Landmarks and to properties identified on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), when compared to the other build alternatives. With all of the benefits listed above, the at-grade alternative also resulted in the lowest total project cost of all build alternatives studied.

“After a year of studying the area and collecting input from Madison residents, we’re confident that the at-grade alternative is the best option for improving traffic flow through Madison,” said Adam Burns, lead project manager for CMT.

The studies also revealed incorporating the at-grade intersection improvements in Alternative 6 will decrease travel times in the corridor by 40 percent when compared to the existing condition, and 6 percent over the grade separated option.

“In the coming months, our team will prepare the Draft Environmental Assessment for public review, and collect input on the proposed new route and its impact on Madison,” Burns said.

The current schedule calls for detailed design and land acquisition through 2018, with construction beginning in 2019. More information is available at www.Project421.com.

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