Indiana Department of Transportation

Lt. Governor Opens First Section of Salem Bypass

SALEM, Ind. – Lt. Governor Becky Skillman today joined the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and local officials at a ceremony officially opening the first section of the Salem Bypass. The new limited-access bypass runs nearly four miles to the south and east of this growing Washington County city.

“While there’s much talk about the Ohio River Bridges or I-69, Major Moves projects of all sizes are benefiting communities around the state,” said Lt. Governor Becky Skillman. “The idea is to drive economic development to our communities and leapfrog our competition in other states for new business.”

Gohmann Asphalt & Construction of Clarksville began construction on this Major Moves project in 2011. The bypass will be limited access with bridges over three roads, the CSX railroad and the west fork of Blue River. Motorists will only be able to enter or exit the bypass at S.R. 60 or at either end with S.R. 135 and S.R. 56.

“While heavy highway traffic is a positive sign of commerce, it also poses congestion and safety concerns,” said Washington County Commissioner David Brown. “The idea of the bypass is to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for Washington County.”

Shortly after this morning’s ceremony, the first section opened just south of Salem between State Roads 135 and 60. The remainder is anticipated to open within one to two weeks, stretching all the way to S.R. 56 just east of Salem.

“This project would not have happened without the participation and partnership of local leaders,” said Kathy Eaton-McKalip, INDOT’s Director of Grants and Local Programs. “Looking ahead, partnering with communities or the private sector is increasingly the model for getting big projects done.”

Washington County provided all of the development and engineering work, including design and land purchases. INDOT financed the construction and oversaw the contractor’s work.

Including the Salem Bypass, nearly 100 miles of new limited-access highway are opening to traffic by the end of this year as a result of Governor Mitch Daniels’ Major Moves highway program. Major Moves capitalizes on Indiana’s strategic location as the Crossroads of America by improving and expanding road infrastructure in support of a stronger economy and greater mobility.