Mrvan Requested Transportation Projects Advance

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced today that his requested transportation infrastructure projects have been included in legislation approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. 

Specifically, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has approved H.R. 3684, the INVEST in America Act.  This legislation reauthorizes surface transportation programs that direct federal investments in roads, bridges, transit, and rail, and includes the following projects requested by Congressman Mrvan.

• $1,500,000 - Added Travel Lanes at 45th Avenue in Unincorporated Lake County 

The Added Travel Lanes at 45th Avenue project provides for widening and improvements to 45th Avenue, from Colfax Avenue to Whitcomb Street.  The current conditions of this roadway segment are substandard with limited shoulder width and no sidewalks.  Several traffic safety issues result due to the lack of a dedicated turn lane; pedestrian safety is compromised due to the lack of sidewalks.  Construction of this segment will provide a safe arterial east/west Lake County corridor that aligns with improvements previously made.  

• $2,000,000 - Central Avenue Road Reconstruction in Portage 

Currently, Central Avenue in Portage, Indiana, exists as one through-lane in each direction and lacks appropriate shoulders, curbs and gutters, and limited sidewalks, creating vehicular and pedestrian safety hazards.  The proposed road reconstruction at Central Avenue, from the Lake/Porter County Line to Willowcreek Road, will address inadequate safety conditions, deteriorated and outdated infrastructure along Central Avenue, reduce congestion along the corridor, and address stormwater drainage issues.  The existing roadway does not meet INDOT design standards, specifically in regard to sight distances and roadway width.  Central Avenue provides an east-west alternative to interstates and highways for traffic as it connects to communities west of Portage.  

• $7,411,200 - Willowcreek Road Extension in unincorporated Porter County

The Willowcreek Road Extension will improve operational traffic flow along the corridors located in Porter County by providing an improved, north-south connector.  The project will reduce travel delays caused by vehicular traffic, save more than 70 percent of vehicle hours traveled, relieve congestion, and improve system linkage along multiple corridors.  Willowcreek Road north of CR 700 North provides access to Interstates 80, 94, Interstate 90/Indiana Toll Road, and U.S. Highway 6; extending Willowcreek Road south from CR 700 North to U.S. Highway 30 will increase access to these travel corridors. 

• $8,100,000 - Kennedy Avenue Bridge Replacement in Highland and Hammond 

The Little Calumet River Basin Development Commission aims to replace the existing four-lane bridge along Kennedy Avenue, which spans the Little Calumet River, to meet INDOT standards and specifications.  The current Kennedy Avenue Bridge is positioned lower compared to federal levees built within the river corridor; in anticipation of flood events, vehicular access is interrupted as the bridge is sandbagged to complete the line of protection.  When access to the bridge is prohibited, traffic is rerouted to nearby Indianapolis Boulevard and Cline Avenue, which are both heavily traveled roadways, contributing to increased traffic congestion.  Replacing and raising the bridge eliminates the necessity of preventing north/south traffic movement between Highland and Hammond on Kennedy Avenue in that instance, improves water flow under the bridge, and reduces the potential for flooding in nearby communities. 

Congressman Mrvan stated, “I appreciate the action by Chairman DeFazio and the members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to include these critical regional transportation infrastructure projects that will improve the quality of life for residents in Northwest Indiana and create more good-paying job opportunities.  This is a team effort, and I am grateful to have the engagement of so many stakeholders in Northwest Indiana who assisted in identifying and ensuring the worthiness of these federal investments.  I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to approve this legislation by the full House as soon as possible.”

For additional information on the INVEST in America Act, click here.

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