INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — State Rep. Tonya Pfaff (D-Terre Haute) has filed a bill that aims to shorten the timeline for infrastructure improvements, alleviate road congestion and enhance safety on I-70.
House Bill 1087 will try to improve traffic flow on I-70 by adding additional lanes.
The bill “requires the Indiana Department of Transportation to take action necessary to construct one or more additional lanes of traffic across Indiana for: (1) eastbound; and (2) westbound,” according to the bill’s synopsis.
“Terre Haute is literally the crossroads of America, and we are proud to serve as a vital link in our local, state, and national economy,” Pfaff said in a press release. “While I am proud to represent this key thoroughfare, we must take action to make it safer and more efficient for everyone who relies on it. House Bill 1087 has the potential to bring critical investments to our community to achieve both of these goals.”
Pfaff also collaborated with local stakeholders on this legislation, including the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce.
“Tragic wrecks and hours of delays for travelers have plagued the stretch of I-70 near Terre Haute between the state line and Exit 41 for years,” said Kristin Craig, President and CEO of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. “The results have been loss of life, including families and children, and overall loss of confidence in this critical piece of infrastructure.”
According to the proposed bill’s fiscal note, adding additional lanes to the east and westbound lanes would cost an estimated $2.06 B, based on the cost of resources in 2024. However, the fiscal note said, $1.65 B would be drawn from federal funds.
“We want West Central Indiana to be a place where businesses thrive and families can live safely and comfortably,” Pfaff added. “Prioritizing infrastructure improvements like the expansion of I-70 is essential to keeping our area attractive and economically competitive. I’m proud to champion this legislation at the Statehouse as a member of the House Committee tasked with writing our state’s budget.”
