The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and New Albany Mayor Douglas B. England have signed an agreement to transfer to the City of New Albany responsibility over 4.5 miles of State Road 111.  In exchange, INDOT has agreed to pay the city $6.125 million and transfer ownership of an INDOT maintenance garage near the intersection of Grant Line Road and Beechwood Avenue.

The most recent road transfer discussions began in February 2009 when INDOT determined it was not cost effective and no longer necessary to build an overpass bridge over the CSX railroad, near the entrance to the General Mills Pillsbury plant. Train traffic had decreased and the bridge also was going to adversely impact many of the local businesses along that part of S.R. 111. Improvements on Grant Line Road less the bridge are still part of the City’s plans for the future.

Between Interstates 265 and 64, S.R. 111 snakes along Grant Line Road, Beechwood Avenue, Charlestown Road, Vincennes Street and East Main Street.  The City of New Albany will assume upon INDOT’s payment the responsibility to maintain, repair and regulate these road segments between Mt. Tabor Road and State Street.

Mayor England was satisfied with the outcome of the negotiations.  “The S. R. 111 corridor—Grant Line Road, Beechwood Avenue, Charlestown Road, Vincennes Street and East Main Street—is the ‘spinal cord’ of the city.  It makes sense for New Albany to control it and, under the terms of the agreement, INDOT is providing the city with adequate financial and other resources to exercise proper stewardship.”

New Albany’s plans for the various road segments of relinquished corridor are posted on the city’s Web site at www.cityofnewalbany.com.  The total funding package, including the INDOT payoff and other federal grants and aid, is worth just under $11 million.   The surplus cash will be placed in a non-reverting fund for future maintenance and upkeep.

“Transferring State Road 111 allows the City of New Albany to develop and enhance this road as a city street, not as a state highway,” said INDOT Seymour District Deputy Commissioner Jim Stark.  “INDOT wants to thank all parties involved, especially State Rep. Ed Clere, for their help in making this a win-win solution for both the city and the state.”

• Click here to view the city’s S.R. 111 relinquishment improvements and funding plan.
• Click here to read the New Albany Tribune’s report on the relinquishment.