The answer to this question has two parts.  First, the selected corridor (3C) is much larger than the actual alignment for I-69.  Second, there are several steps which must occur before INDOT is permitted to purchase land for I-69.

The Tier 1 study approved a corridor (not an actual alignment) for I-69 between Evansville and Indianapolis.  This corridor typically is 2,000 feet wide, though it is wider or narrower in some places.  The actual alignment for I-69 will use only a portion of the corridor; the typical cross-sections used in the Tier 1 study varied from 240 to 470 feet in width.  The Tier 2 studies will determine the exact alignment for I-69 within the selected corridor; in addition, the alignment could be shifted outside of the corridor if necessary in order to avoid significant impacts within the corridor.  The exact alignment for I-69 will not be known until the Tier 2 studies are completed in each section.  Completing the studies in each section requires that a Final Environmental Impact Statement be issued selecting a preferred alignment, and that the Federal Highway Administration issue a Record of Decision (ROD) approving that preferred alignment.

Once the actual alignment for a section of I-69 is approved, the design phase for that section can begin.  The design phase will produce the plans needed to construct that portion of I-69.  It also will identify the exact parcels of land which will be needed.  Once the parcels of land are identified, land purchases can begin.  Land purchases for right-of-way acquisition are under way in Section 1.  It is anticipated that land purchases for I-69 will continue for several years.  Although a specific timetable is not available at this time, it is safe to say that it could at least ten years before all land purchases are made. (Updated 11/14/07)

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