(La Porte, IN) - Support is building for a road aimed at removing truck traffic from downtown La Porte.  Last night, the La Porte County Council came out in support of a four lane highway being constructed around the downtown.

Supporters believe what’s called a North-South Corridor would draw more people to the downtown by removing a high percentage of the heavy trucks forced to travel into the downtown to reach their destinations.

La Porte County Councilman Mike Mollenhauer said he also believes the highway would reduce heavy traffic on Pine Lake Avenue.  “From what I understand, it could really increase people visiting our community and do some shopping here and, of course, that’s what we really want,” he said.

Right now, a push is being made for federal funding and support from the community is viewed as an important component for securing those dollars to pay for 80-percent of the cost estimated at nearly $100 million.  The eight mile highway would run east of downtown from U.S. 35 and Boyd Boulevard to Indiana 39 and the Indiana Toll Road.