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Last updated on Tuesday, July 16, 2013
(GREENE COUNTY) - I-69 Section 4 contracts do not require the use of explosives, but some contractors may use blasting for excavation of the interstate between Crane and Bloomington.
Motorists and property owners should not be alarmed as noise and vibration levels caused by blasting are expected to be below levels that would cause any type of damage to neighboring properties.
Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) contracts require crews to take steps to minimize impacts outside the excavated area. Contractors that wish to use blasting must demonstrate an awareness of all laws concerning blasting and an understanding of the INDOT contract requirements.
The contractor will identify and coordinate with nearby properties both before and after planned blasting. Anyone with questions or concerns about blasting should contact the I-69 Bloomington office at (812) 355-1390 or Washington Office at (812) 254-2831 for information about how to contact the appropriate contractor.
Each contractor must employ an operator licensed by the Indiana State Fire Marshall in accordance with 675 Indiana Administrative Code 26. The explosives used and the drill hole spacing and depth will depend upon the type of rock to be encountered in each blast.
The new Interstate 69 between Evansville and Indianapolis is widely regarded as a key component to the future economic vitality of southwestern Indiana, and will connect an entire region with improved access to jobs, education and healthcare. The 142-mile I-69 corridor was divided into six independent sections with the Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Study, which was approved by the Federal Highway Administration in March 2004.
The first 67 miles opened for business in November 2012 under budget and years ahead of schedule, and now saves motorists more than 30 minutes in travel time between Evansville and Crane. Construction is underway on all 27 miles of I-69 Section 4, which is expected to open to traffic in phases during late 2014 and 2015.
For more information about I-69 between Indianapolis and Evansville, please visit www.i69indyevn.org.
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