Link 101 Project Will Not Move Forward

Public feedback played a role.

INDIANAPOLIS – The proposed Link 101 project is dead.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announced today that the project will not move forward.

A combination of higher than anticipated construction costs, low projected travel benefits, and public feedback sessions that overwhelmingly supported a more moderate approach led to the decision to forgo a broader new-terrain project.

Instead, INDOT will prioritize preservation of local corridor assets in line with public feedback.

Stop Link 101 had been mobilizing in opposition to the highway by signing petitions, submitting public comments, and displaying yard signs throughout the area.

The group opposed a State Road 101 extension from Markland Dam to U.S. 50 because of its potential impact on the natural habitat of local wildlife, the natural landscape, and farmland.

The preliminary alternatives recommendations had anticipated costs of $350 million to more than $450 million.  The anticipated cost is a substantial increase from the original estimated cost of $200 million that was announced in 2021. Higher than anticipated construction costs are a result of the rising costs of materials and labor and the earthwork required by challenging terrain in the project area.

According to INDOT, the alternatives identified could have provided safety benefits and modest travel time savings, but projected traffic volumes are relatively low in the area, limiting the total benefits to users. There has also been widespread opposition voiced to the project, both in public meetings and through project communication channels.

The funds allocated to Link 101 will be reprioritized statewide, including in southeastern Indiana.

Any information gathered to date for Link 101 could be considered for future projects. The Link 101 project website is expected to be available for access through this fall. After this fall, the information will be available by request to INDOT.

State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) released the following statement:

"Many constituents in House District 67 have reached out to me with deep concerns over how this project would cut through their property where they live including generational homesteads and destroy critical farmland. As a result, I've personally shared these concerns with the Indiana Department of Transportation and offered legislation earlier this year that could have stopped the project from moving forward. That's why I'm grateful to see INDOT reverse course and cancel their plans to pursue the controversial Link 101 Corridor Project."