(Hamlet, IN) - A public meeting is scheduled tonight in connection with possible upgrades to U.S. 30 across much of the northern part of the state.  The meeting will be at Oregon Davis School near Hamlet.

 

For many years, there’s been talk of upgrading U.S. 30 into an interstate type highway to reduce travel times and improve safety.  The environmental impact of upgrading the four lane highway along with the feasibility of the idea is currently being studied.

 

Tony Rodriguez, Director of the La Porte County Office of Economic and Community Development, represents La Porte County on the U.S. 30 coalition, which consists of representatives from each county where the highway could be improved.  He said the ongoing study process leading up to possible reconstruction of the highway is lengthy but one worth following especially for immediate stakeholders.

 

“This is the first of several public meetings and we wanted to make sure the public is well informed,” he said.

 

Many farmers along the highway are concerned because the thoroughfare cuts through their land, making easy access to both sides of the roadway important.  Interstate type upgrades would mean fewer interchanges and result in miles of extra travel each time they need to get to their fields on the other side of the highway.

 

The five other meetings will be held at more distant locations so tonight is the best opportunity for local residents to become fully educated on the project.

 

Tonight’s meeting, hosted by the Indiana Department of Transportation, is scheduled to run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.