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INDOT looking for input at I-69 public meetings

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – INDOT says that it could be until 2017 before the final route for Interstate 69 is decided.

Several concerned residents and business owners attended a public comment session Monday.

“We have a great business, I hope that’s not going to be a downfall for us with the road,” said Lindsey Wall, General Manager for Teddy’s Burger Joint.

The road Wall is talking about is I-69.

State Road 37, which the state says is their primary focus for the project, runs right behind Teddy’s Burger Joint.

“It really is a matter of where the spouts are going to be for the interstate or if there’s going to be an exit at Southport Road,” said Wall.

A few miles south of Teddy’s is White River Township Fire Headquarters. The concern there isn’t whether the highway is built, but rather if it isn’t.

Chief Jeremy Pell has concerns.

“If you’ve got an improved roadway from Evansville to Martinsville, there are a subset of people that are going to take State Road 37, whether it’s improved or not. More traffic is going to equate to more accidents.”

Chief Pell says the township already bought land anticipating having to move. He says they’ve been planning new emergency routes for years.

“With access to Interstate 69 it may block some neighborhoods that otherwise have pretty good response times,” said Pell.

The state says it’s taking the public’s concerns into account as it plans it’s next move.

“We’re trying to minimize the impact to homes and businesses, while trying to improve travel time and reduce crashes,” said INDOT spokesman Will Wingfield.

The state is holding another meeting Tuesday evening in Martinsville.