Major Traffic Congestion is Growing Statewide Concern, Build Indiana Council Report Says

INDIANAPOLIS--Dec. 2, 20040, 2004--Traffic congestion affects every corner of the state and all of the cities and towns in between, according to a report recently released by the Build Indiana Council (BIC). The report, Indiana's Traffic Tie-ups: How Congestion Hurts the Hoosier State, further finds that, without proper funding, these travel delays will not improve.

"As the study indicates, congestion is clearly not just a 'big city' problem. One trip on U.S. 31 up through Kokomo to South Bend can show that firsthand," said Indiana Chamber of Commerce President Kevin Brinegar. "This research reinforces the need for improved infrastructure in the state. The Chamber will continue to seek substantial additions to Indiana's pool of highway funds from both state and federal sources in order to make this happen."

The state's numerous traffic tie-ups translate into wasted money and time, increased stress and lowered productivity. While all of the road congestion documented in this report is severe, studies show it will only get worse, with congestion expected to increase by 450 percent over the next 10 years.

Already, this traffic trend is particularly detrimental to the state's larger areas. Annually in Indianapolis, $369 million is lost in wasted fuel and productivity from sitting in traffic. Meanwhile, in Southern Indiana (outside of Louisville), the crash rate is twice the state average at the Kennedy Bridge/Spaghetti Junction area due to traffic backups. A number of other sites around the state are also examined.

"This report clearly shows that solutions are available to remedy congestion across the state," said Matthew C. Greller, Executive Director of the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT). "The problem lies in that there will soon be no funding available to address any of these problems, further threatening the safety and mobility of Indiana motorists."

According to the report, the Indiana Department of Transportation's (INDOT) budget is expected to drop $300 million by July 2005, a 37 percent drop from the previous $777 million. These levels will not even allow INDOT to meet all maintenance needs for the current road system, let alone add more capacity and reduce traffic jams with efforts such as the Ohio River Bridges project (in Clark County) and expansion of the Borman Expressway (in Lake County).

Copies of Indiana's Traffic Tie-Ups can be obtained by contacting BIC at 317.634.4774 or online at www.buildindianacouncil.org.

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has been the state's largest broad-based business advocacy organization for over 80 years. Today, it serves more than 23,000 members and customers.

IACT is a coalition of municipal officials who seek to improve the quality of life in Indiana through effective government, and is a member of the National League of Cities. IACT is one of the oldest state municipal organizations in the country at 112-years, with 468 cities and towns as members. IACT advocates for municipalities as the official voice of municipal government in Indiana, and promotes good government through education, training and leadership.

BIC is a group of seven associations representing over 500 companies statewide. With activities ranging from reports and editorials to plain old grassroots action, BIC's objective is adequate funding for the roads, highways and bridges of the great state of Indiana.