Mrvan Transportation Projects Included in House Approved Legislation

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

The House approved H.R. 3684, the INVEST in America Act, by a vote of 221 to 201.  This legislation reauthorizes surface transportation programs and directs federal investments in roads, bridges, transit, rail, drinking water, and wastewater.  The measure includes the projects listed below that were requested by Congressman Mrvan.

Importantly, H.R. 3684 expands and strengthens Buy America requirements.  Specifically, the measure extends Buy America requirements to include all construction materials and requires a public comment period and detailed justification for any waiver request.  

Further, the measure includes provisions that aim to address the impact of blocked crossings on emergency service response times and safety.  For example, the measure prohibits stopped freight trains from blocking public crossings for more than ten minutes, while allowing for commonsense exemptions.  H.R. 3684 also authorizes the Department of Transportation to impose penalties for crossings that are repeatedly blocked.

Congressman Mrvan stated, “There is a great need in our nation to build on the momentum of moving past the health pandemic and investing in vital infrastructure projects.  I appreciate that the House has taken action today to help create jobs and grow our economy, and that this legislation includes direct, much needed investments in Northwest Indiana.  I strongly encourage my Senate colleagues to consider this pressing legislation as soon as possible.”

The projects requested by Congressman Mrvan and their funding amounts are listed below:

$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. 

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

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