(VALPARAISO) – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 13, 2019, at 6 p.m. (CDT) at the Heavilin Elementary School, 2300 North 50 West, Valparaiso, IN 46385.
The purpose of the public hearing is to offer all interested persons an opportunity to comment on current design plans for proposed intersection improvement at State Road 2 and Heavilin Road in Valparaiso, Porter County.
The preferred alternative proposes to convert the existing T-intersection, with Heavilin Road under stop control, into a single-lane roundabout. As proposed, the center of the roundabout would be shifted slightly north of the existing intersection’s center. This will minimize impact to the existing Porter County Highway Department facilities on the intersection’s southeast quadrant and will also allow for the majority of the intersection to be constructed while State Road 2 and Heavilin Road remain open to traffic.
The preferred alternative has independent utility meaning its intent is to enhance safety and operational efficiency at the intersection and the project can function as a stand-alone improvement without requiring other improvements, which may have additional impacts. Due to the project’s limited scope as an intersection improvement, the project’s logical termini are limited to the necessary approach work extending east, west and south of the intersection. The eastern limits extend to west of Salt Creek, no bridge improvements are proposed as part of this project.
All improved roadway surfaces along State Road 2, along Heavilin Road and within the proposed roundabout will be surrounded by concrete curb and gutter which will drain into a new storm sewer system. The storm sewer system will drain storm-water generally from northwest to southeast where it will be collected into a proposed detention basin immediately southeast of the proposed roundabout. The basin will then empty eastward into the existing storm-water drainage network.
Lighting improvements are also proposed as part of the project. All driveway aprons adjacent to the improved roadway will be reconstructed within proposed construction limits.
As proposed, the maintenance of traffic (MOT) for the project will not require a complete closure of the intersection. The roundabout and its immediate State Road 2 approaches would be constructed while State Road 2 and Heavilin Road remain open to traffic. Once the roundabout and State Road 2 approaches are constructed, State Road 2 traffic will be shifted through the roundabout and Heavilin Road will be closed while its roundabout approach is constructed. A detour for Heavilin Road will involve Division Road to the south and County Road 100 W to the west. Additional details regarding MOT will be presented during the public hearing. INDOT will coordinate with local emergency services, school corporation transportation officials and other project stakeholders as part of the maintenance of traffic coordination.
The proposed improvement will require approximately 5 acres of right-of-way along SR 2 and also Heavilin Road with a significant amount of right-of-way proposed to be acquired from parcels owned by Porter County municipality. Project funding consists of both federal and state funding sources.
Environmental documentation and project information is available for public viewing at the following locations:
- Valparaiso Public Library, 103 Jefferson Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383 Phone# (219) 462-0524
- INDOT LaPorte District at 315 E. Boyd Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350, Phone # (855) 463-6848
- Hearings Examiner, Room N642-COM of the IGCN, 100 N. Senate Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204‑2216, Phone # (317) 232-6601
On-line via the INDOT LaPorte District webpage at: https://www.in.gov/indot/2705.htm
Written comments in regard to the project may be submitted prior to the public hearing and within the comment period to: INDOT Public Hearings, IGCN Room N642, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204; rclark@indot.in.gov.
With advance notice and in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), INDOT will provide accommodation for persons attending the public hearing with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids and/or services including sign language interpretation, large print materials and related support services. Please contact Rickie Clark (317) 232-6601 rclark@indot.in.gov for coordination and arrangement of services.
In addition, persons (or groups representing impacted persons) of limited English speaking ability requiring auxiliary aids/services including language interpretation services are encouraged to contact the INDOT Office of Public Involvement at 317-232-6601 rclark@indot.in.gov for coordination of support services.
