(The Hoot News photos by J. Romano)
Governor Eric J. Holcomb, INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith, and President/Chief Operating Officer of Steel Dynamics, Inc. Berry Schneider today announced plans for a portion of U.S. 30 in Columbia City. INDOT is proposing a new interchange at the current intersection of U.S. 30 and County Road 700 East and an overpass at County Road 600 East.
“Business is booming in northeast Indiana,” said Gov. Holcomb. “Each year we’re moving 724 million tons of freight through the Hoosier state, and that number is only going to grow. We’re working to put the infrastructure in place to continue that trend both safely and efficiently, providing a competitive advantage for manufacturing and distribution here in Indiana.”
Both projects will soon begin the design phase and will continue through the development process before moving to construction. Funding for the proposed interchange and overpass will be split between Steel Dynamics and INDOT.
*This is just one example of how INDOT is partnering with businesses and in this case, one of the largest steel producers in the United States, to deliver transportation infrastructure solutions,” said Commissioner Smith. “Our economy relies on the efficient, reliable, safe, and secure movement of goods, materials, and services. We’re looking at construction getting underway as soon as 2029.”
Other potential projects and results from INDOT’s ongoing ProPEL U.S. 30 study will provide and recommend additional improvements on other sections of U.S. 30, specifically west of County Road 700.
“We are excited to collaborate with INDOT on the proposed future improvements to U.S. 30 near our Structural and Rail Division in Columbia City,” said Schneider.
“Safety is core to our values, and we welcome the opportunity to assist with the announced infrastructure plans to improve safety on U.S. 30 for our team members and community,” Schneider added.
