Harrison County is known for its geological features and historical significance, and the southern portion of the county lacks good east-west connectivity. This project will extend SR 11 west from the existing SR 337/SR 11/Melview Road intersection to SR 135, upgrading portions of Melview Road, crossing Buck Creek, and connecting to and upgrading Watson Road.
The western third of the project area, located in the Mitchell Plateau, will upgrade Watson Road. Integrating environmental considerations including karst identification and structural treatments along with geotechnical needs, as well as focusing on creating a serviceable roadway for the local citizens, will be critical in providing a successful road design.
The middle segment of SR 11 includes crossing the Buck Creek valley. A new bridge crossing of Buck Creek is an integral part of this project and design considerations for this new bridge will focus on cut and fill balances to keep project costs down while still providing a safe and environmentally friendly bridge.
The eastern third of the project consists primarily of agricultural farmland and dense forest areas. It is anticipated that within the forested areas, karst features will be identified that require additional geological studies to determine potential impacts that the project could have on the karst system.
The new SR 11 extension will provide much needed east-west connectivity in southern Harrison County enhancing the safe movement of people and goods from one end of the county to the other.
The Project is in the Environmental Studies stage of planning. The studies process will determine the appropriate level of (Federal) NEPA documentation and the appropriate location for the new roadway alignment by identifying and assessing the potential impacts of each alternative so that measures can be made to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts that may occur.
A public hearing will be held in the Spring of 2023 which will afford the opportunity to provide formal comments on the project. The hearing will be conducted according to INDOT/FHWA guidelines. It will include an open house element, stations for communications with project team members, a formal presentation, and a formal hearing component. Virtual options will be available to the public.
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