Ramp to Toll Road from the Borman could be replaced, removed or improved
By Christin Nance Lazerus cnance@post-trib.com September 12, 2012 4:22PM
Updated: October 15, 2012 9:30AM
The Indiana Toll Road is considering possible modifications to the ramp that links the Borman Expressway and the Indiana Toll Road in Hobart.
The structurally deficient ramp — which links westbound Indiana Toll Road traffic to the Borman — has been closed twice in the past two years due to crashes.
The options, which were developed in a study by engineering firm RW Armstrong, will be discussed at a meeting planned for next week between the Indiana Toll Road Concession Co., the Indiana Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration officials. They were presented during a Tuesday meeting of the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission.
The first alternative calls for the removal of the bridge which links eastbound Borman traffic to the Indiana Toll Road. It is the cheapest alternative — at $6.8 million — and it would improve Ripley Street traffic flow and provide minimal disruption and environmental impact. Some of the disadvantages include a detrimental economic impact to the truck stops on Ripley Street and changes to the Indiana Toll Road travel pattern.
The second alternative is the most expensive — at $13.9 million — and it would replace the current bridge. Some of the advantages include acceptable traffic flow, minimal economic impact, and improved bridge safety. Cons include traffic maintenance concerns and right-of-way impacts and moderate environmental impact.
The third option, which costs $8.2 million — would completely remove the interchange. It is unlikely to be chosen because traffic congestion would increase significantly on Interstate 65 and cost the ITR some revenue.
The fourth alternative would rehabilitate the existing ramps, but that doesn’t have a price estimate at this time.
