HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-01-2007 INDOT presents $2 million check to South Bend SOU T11,1
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JOINT RELEASE FROM INDOT AND CITY OF SOUTH BEND
Thursday, November 1, 2007
2:00 PM
INDOT presents $2 million check to South Bend
Ceremony highlights relinquishment agreement, revamping of McKinley/Ironwood intersection
SOUTH BEND, Ind. —Mayor Stephen Luecke accepted a$2 million check from the Indiana
Department of Transportation today as part of an agreement for the state to relinquish
jurisdiction and responsibility for the reconstruction of the McKinley/Ironwood intersection.
The intersection's reconstruction remained the only remaining section of INDOT responsibility
from a prior agreement transferring McKinley Avenue, or "Old U.S. 20,"to the city. The move
was part of a broader state strategy, transferring certain highways to local jurisdictions.
The agreement means design and reconstruction of the intersection of McKinley and Ironwood
Drive could begin now and be completed by late 2008 under the leadership of the City of South
Bend. The city has proposed a design scaled to a locally appropriate context, which seeks to
balance neighborhood quality of life with the traffic demand on Ironwood, a major street that
transverses the length of the city from north to south.
"We are happy to stand here today as South Bend and state officials working together to enhance
the safety of our roads," Luecke said. "This agreement will give residents greater input into the
final look of a reconstructed intersection that preserves the residential character of the
neighborhood while it accommodates increasing traffic demand."
Current Plan:
• Creating a five-lane intersection similar to the original INDOT proposal, but limiting the
widened lanes to within one block of the intersection.
• Using 11-foot-wide lanes, landscaping and decorative pedestrian-scale lighting to preserve
the neighborhood's residential character.
• Appointing a five-member citizen design review committee to provide input to the design
that's sensitive to the neighborhood's residential context.
McKinley was relinquished to South Bend in a 1999 agreement, which included an intersection
improvement at McKinley and Ironwood Drive. Because local residents were not in agreement
with the proposed design, however, an amendment to the agreement was made. The amendment
noted that INDOT would award the city $2 million to design and construct the intersection
improvement.
"INDOT welcomes feedback from the communities in which we serve,"noted Mike Monahan,
INDOT LaPorte District Deputy Commissioner. "Today's ceremony is an example of beneficial
cooperation."
INDOT has considered changes to the intersection since 1982. Beteween 10,000 and 16,0000
cars travel through the intersection each day, according to a study by the Michiana Council of
Area Governments. Trucks represent more than 5 percent of the traffic. The intersection has a
significant crash history with 43 accidents in a two-year period between 2003 and 2005,
MACOG reported.
"The City has demonstrated its desire to listen to neighbors' concerns and work toward a project
that addresses our common goals for safety and appropriate development," said Common
Council member Ann Puzzello, who represents the 4t' District, including the Coquillard Woods
neighborhood near the project.
The designed project can be accomplished within the $2 million agreed between the City of
South Bend and INDOT.
LaPorte District Contact: Joshua Bingham, (219)325-7455 or jbinghamAindot.in.gov
City of South Bend: Mikki Dobski, (574) 235-5855 or (574) 876-1564 (cell)
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