Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence joined state and local officials today to announce plans to invest $124 million in infrastructure improvements to State Road 37 in Hamilton County between 126th Street and 146th Street. The announcement, held at the Delaware Township Community Center, detailed the agreement between the state of Indiana, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear and Hamilton County commissioners which commits the state to providing $100 million of the necessary funding for the improvements and commits the City of Fishers to managing the project, maintaining SR 37 during construction, and providing $12 million in funding. Hamilton County is providing an additional $12 million in funding.
“Modern infrastructure is key to building the types of communities that invite investment and job growth,” said Governor Mike Pence. “As communities like Fishers and Noblesville continue to grow and expand, it is critical that we implement collaborative and innovative solutions like updating State Road 37 to ensure these areas remain desirable places for companies to add jobs and Hoosiers to live and raise a family.”
Tens of thousands of people use the SR 37 corridor daily causing heavy congestion and long backups at several key intersections. To address these challenges, initial plans call for SR 37 to be converted to a free-flow parkway with roundabout-style interchanges at 126th Street, 131st Street, 141st Street, and 146th Street. Other planned improvements include removing the traffic signal and converting 135th Street to a right turn only intersection with SR 37.
“The agreement forged today marks an extraordinary investment in our community that will benefit Hamilton County and the entire region,” said Mayor Fadness. “The leadership of Governor Pence and the collaboration with INDOT and local governments ensures an innovative and comprehensive project that will solve congestion challenges in the corridor while improving economic opportunities, quality of life for business and residents, and increased public safety for travelers.”
In 2014, Hamilton County had three of the top five fastest-growing communities in the state among Indiana’s larger communities – Fishers, Noblesville, and Carmel. In just 25 years, Fishers has grown from a town of 7,187 residents to a city with an estimated 88,000 residents. This exponential growth is expected to continue, and infrastructure upgrades and improvements are necessary for continued growth and resident safety.
During the project, INDOT will transfer control and maintenance responsibilities for SR 37 to the City of Fishers. The City of Fishers will lead the design and construction process for the planned improvements to ensure streamlined coordination between designers, construction teams, local businesses, residents, and community stakeholders. Upon completion, INDOT will reassume control of SR 37 and will be responsible for long-term maintenance of the road.
“INDOT is committed to working with communities in every corner of Indiana to make needed investments in infrastructure,” INDOT Commissioner Brandye Hendrickson said. “In addition to the more than $250 million INDOT allocates to Hoosier communities each year for local projects we’ll continue to seek out partnerships like the one we’re announcing today so that we can leverage state and local dollars to maximize our impact and achieve the best value for taxpayers.”
Construction on the planned improvements to SR 37 will be completed in phases to minimize impacts to motorists, residents, and area businesses. The first phase of the project is anticipated to begin in 2018.
“The cooperation between Governor Pence and the local governmental entities has made this a truly unique project that will serve all members of the region well,” said Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt.
