County awarded $6.7 million in funding for road improvements

Project advances key east-west corridor in northern Hamilton County

Hamilton County has been awarded $6,755,200 in federal transportation funding through the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to improve 281st Street from Rulon Road to State Road 213.

The funding is part of INDOT’s latest round of federal infrastructure investments supporting road and bridge improvements across rural Indiana communities.

The 281st Street project will upgrade the roadway to better accommodate increased traffic and heavy vehicles traveling through northern Hamilton County. Planned improvements include widening travel lanes, strengthening and improving roadway shoulders, and enhancing drainage systems.

The project is another major step in the county’s long-term plan to create a safer, more efficient east-west corridor connecting U.S. 31 to State Road 37. Hamilton County has already completed improvements connecting the new U.S. 31 interchange to State Road 19, and additional upgrades are planned between State Road 19 and Rulon Road.

Average daily traffic along the corridor has increased nearly 160 percent since 2020 – growth driven by new business investment, expanded access to U.S. 31, and the construction of the consolidated National Guard Armory.

Altman

“This funding allows us to stay ahead of growth instead of reacting to it,” Hamilton County Commissioner and Commission President Christine Altman said. “When we invest in roads like 281st Street, we’re not just adding pavement – we’re strengthening public safety, supporting agriculture and industry, and ensuring our transportation network can serve this county for decades to come.”

Communities receiving federal funds must provide a local match and meet federal project requirements. Due to the availability of funds, project construction will likely start in 2030.