WNDU - State Road 23 project plans from Adams Road to Bittersweet Trail
by Erin Logan, Reporter
July 25, 2006
An engineering company has presented its plans for a "make-over" of sorts, for a portion of State Road 23. Granger residents came out for the public meeting to view the design plan for State Road 23 from Adams Road to Bittersweet. Construction isn't scheduled to start until spring 2009, so the word "design" has many of the 100 plus people who showed up Wednesday night optimistic. A number of suggestions were voiced, but one was repeated. It had some asking INDOT to re-think what the Department of Transportation stands for. Andy McGrail says, “They're the Department of Transportation, not *automotive* transportation." For three years, McGrail has been spending most of his free time making sure that INDOT thinks about more than traffic congestion in it's plans for the State Road 23 widening project. He says it's obvious, the people of Granger agree. Some comments made were, “I realize INDOT is most concerned with moving cars and trucks, but I encourage INDOT to think outside of the box.” “Let's make it accessible to people.” McGrail knew Wednesday night this was his chance to talk to INDOT and it's design team, so in just a few days, he compiled over 600 signatures representing two-thousand people who want some multi-use paths worked into the portion of State Road 23 from Adams to Bittersweet. McGrail says, “If you look at gas prices and the obesity rates in kids, all these factors are reasons. The ability to get around on a pathway makes sense. The plan shows six inch sidewalks, curbs and gutters, five lanes--four of them thru lanes, and one in the middle for two way left turns. This raised another concern--traffic movement during rush hour. Some of these comments -- “There's essentially no left turn lane space available onto Bittersweet Trail.” “We need to consider alternatives.” Then, another repeated word... “railroad.” The design team says, “They've actually reduced the number of trains going through.” Bike path, train, or taking left turns onto Bittersweet, McGrail is optimistic for all of these concerned people. He says, “This thing has been going on for ten years, so I don't see how it's too late to do anything.” There will be a public hearing in February to further discuss project plans. |
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| Runners and walkers crossed the finish line to a warm reception from the crowd in Granger Sunday. More than 300 people took part in the second annual Granger Paths 5 K Run/Walk in Granger Sunday morning. The walk is held to raise awareness and funding for recreational public paths throughout Granger. The paths will allow the public to safely walk, run, and bike through their community. Andy McGrail, Director of Granger Paths, says he's not at all surprised at the turnout. McGrail says, "If you're in the Granger community or beyond please support these efforts for non-motorized paths in the community. They really are beneficial. They add to the value of the community and they're wanted by so many people." First, second, and third place awards were handed out and all women who participated received a red rose. Updated: May 20, 2007, 5:31 pm | ||