In the spirit of working together... breaking new ground for the highway
Context Sensitive Design' enacted by INDOT
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Meeting for the first time Representatives from INDOT, the Federal HighwayAdministration, Bernardin, Lochmueller&Associates Inc. design team, Hoosier Heartland Corridor Inc., the city of Delphi, Carroll County Economic Development Corporation and others in the community met for an initial meeting Tuesday afternoon to discuss the implementation of 'context sensitive design.'The advisory teamwas formed to discuss the preservation of access to the Deer Creek Rural Historic District. Photo by Debbie Lowe

Delphi Mayor Lee Hoard announced the first meeting of an advisory team to work with the Indiana Department of Transportation to address the issue of access to the Deer Creek Rural Historic District when the new Hoosier Heartland Highway is built. The announcement came at last Wednesday's Delphi Board of Works meeting.

According to INDOT's letter of invitation, in part, the purpose of the meeting is to provide a "general overview of the SR25 Hoosier Heartland Project, establish an understanding of Context-Sensitive Solutions and its application to the Procet, and discuss the goals of the advisory team."

The meeting was Tuesday at the Wabash & Erie Canal Interpretive Center. Along with a representative from Delphi, groups included in the agreement with INDOT and invited to the meeting were Delphi Preservation Society, Carroll County Historic Bridge Coalition, the Canal Association, Carroll County Historical Society and the Carroll County Rural Historic District.

"I've been jumping up and down waiting for this meeting," canal association president Dan McCain said. "It's all about access. This is about the sensitivity of the crossing of the valley. We have a major trail plan on paper that won't happen unless INDOT lets it happen. We are landlocked."

McCain described the collaboration of INDOT with locals as a "coordination effort to address the historical valley district issues as they relate to the new highway."

INDOT Public Relations DirectorAmy Kindred said the meeting exemplifies INDOT's commitment to implement the new concept of "context-sensitive design" which has never been tried before."

Other business:

Board of works members William Miller and Carolyn Pearson approved claims for $131,020.83.

The next meeting will be Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m. prior to the city council meeting at 7 p.m.