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University Parkway closer to extension

By Laura Forbes - bio | email | Twitter
Posted by Jill Lyman - email

VANDERBURGH CO, IN (WFIE) - Vanderburgh County is one step closer to extending University Parkway.

Thursday, county commissioners signed an agreement with INDOT to get the federal funding needed for the portion from Upper Mount Vernon Road to Marx Road.  

County Commissioner Troy Tornatta says having another road in and out of Evansville will help USI and the local economy.

"When I tell people how to get to 64 from my tire shop, I have to tell them 20 different back road," said Tornatta. 

Tornatta would eventually like to see the project reach all the way to I-64. For now, the plan is to expand to Diamond Avenue.

At a special meeting, commissioners approved an agreement with INDOT for one section, Upper Mount Vernon Road to Marx Road.

"It's very important that we get the federal funds in order to get the project moving ahead," said County Engineer John Stoll. 

The agreement includes more than $5 million in highway funds and another $2.7 million in earmarked funds.

That makes up 80% of the costs. The other 20% will come from the county, but there is still the issue of missing paperwork to fund the rest of the project.

"We're still working on the section from Marx to Diamond Avenue. There is nothing set in stone on that. Now that we have this issue resolved we can continue working with INDOT to get the rest of the funds resolved," said Stoll. 

Bids for the next phase of the construction project will open on November 4.

Officials say, if all goes well, construction should begin by the end of the year.

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