Land Purchases for I-69 Expansion Project in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has spent a total of $184.4 million to buy or relocate 249 homes, 60 businesses, 31 rental properties, and eight farms for the first five sections of the I-69 expansion project as reported in the media. Section Six is the final section of the highway to be built in Indiana. It will complete the path of I- 69 from the northern-most point of the state to the southern-most point. It is estimated to be a little more than a 20 mile stretch of highway between Indianapolis and Martinsville and will utilize and expand the existing SR 37 highway. Click here for a timeline of construction for Section Six.
The nation’s Interstate System, when completed, will have required the acquisition of new right-of-way totaling nearly 1½ million acres and involving 750,000 parcels, more than the area of the State of Delaware. – U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration
I-69 Expansion Section Six Land Acquisition
It is unclear how much land INDOT will require for Section Six. INDOT officials have stated Section Six may take as many as 375 parcels of land which includes homes and businesses. These properties stretch the entire distance between Indianapolis and Martinsville along SR 37. Homeowners and businesses need to be aware that the right-of-way requirements for a state road versus an interstate can differ greatly. The INDOT design manual provides calculations for right-of-way necessary for county roads and state highways. Often the amount of land necessary to meet right-of-way requirements for state roads is less than that of an interstate highway. The Federal Highway Administration standards for interstate highway right-of-way range from 250 feet to 500 feet of land on either side of the roadway. This can make a significant difference to people who live along SR 37.
In addition to the right-of-way necessary on either side of the new roadway, additional land will need to be taken to build and improve the interchanges that will be necessary for I- 69 Section 6. The new roadway will be considered a limited access facility which means people living along SR 37 will be forced to find alternate routes to access the roadway as many of the current access points will not connect to the new interstate.
Homeowners along SR 37 have expressed concerns about when the state will begin to contact them with offers for their land. Some are interested in making improvements to their homes but have delayed projects because of the uncertainty with the I-69 expansion project. Others are interested in exploring early acquisition options with the State of Indiana so they aren’t left in limbo for the next several months while the design process continues.
Given these concerns, it’s never too early for people who will be affected by the I- 69 expansion project along SR 37 to contact an eminent domain attorney. Cohen & Malad, LLP attorneys are experienced in condemnation law and land acquisition matters and can help you. We can discuss your legal rights and options along with providing a general guideline of how condemnation works and what you can expect from the government representative who will be contacting you. Contact us now to talk about your concerns. We offer a free no-obligation consultation.
