As with the meeting in Rockfield to explain how the Hoosier Heartland Highway (HHH) project will impact that area of Carroll County, INDOT’s Public Involvement Director Aimee Bennett Kindred gave a brief presentation and then conducted a question and answer session for over 80 residents interested in the Burrows segment of the new highway.

Bennett-Kindred said an extension of SR75 cannot be constructed as a component of the project because it falls outside of the environmental impact for the project. She explained that the state will construct a connection point which could be used for the extension if the county is able to build the actual road from SR75 to the new highway north of Camden.

According to Bennett- Kindred, Burrows will be the third phase of Segment 3. Construction bids will be let at the end of 2011. Land acquisition appraisals will begin this summer. Construction is planned for the spring of 2012.

SR25 within Burrows town limits will revert to a county road, with a cul-desac at each end. Bennett- Kindred stated the standard size for a cul-de-sac is enough for a school bus to turn-around.

Bennett-Kindred said the divided highway’s footprint in the Burrows area would consist of an 80-foot median, four 12-foot lanes, a 10-foot shoulder plus the state rightof way. Two at-grade intersections will connect roads 900N and 100E with the new highway.

INDOT will hold a public meeting regarding the Meridian Line Road Bridge section in late spring or early summer. The plan is for Meridian Rd. to make a culde sac on each side and the bridge will be moved to CR50.

Bennett-Kindred said there are two things the county should consider at this time – the opportunity for economic growth and the relinquishment of SR25. She said the standard for the state when abandoning a road that it is left in good condition which will last for 10 years.

County resident Charles Horn said he learned more about the project in the meeting. He said since there had been several changes previously discussed, he was now able to see where all the roads were going to be and how issues were resolved. Resident Jon Zink said he was glad Aimee Bennett- Kindred could be contacted for additional questions.

Local farmer Dick Rinehart said three properties he farms will be affected by the project in varying degrees. He said he was generally positive about the project although it will be inconvenient for at least a portion of his farming business.

The third and final INDOT meeting in Carroll County at this time was held last night, Jan. 26, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Delphi Armory. It was held too close to deadline to be included in this week’s issue of the Carroll County Comet. Please read about the events of the meeting on the Comet Web site, www.carrollcountycomet. com, Thursday or in next week’s issue.