City, State Strike Bridge Approach Deal

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The City of Madison and the Indiana Department of Transportation have reached an agreement involving a “gateway to the community.” INDOT will take on a $14 million improvement project for the approach to the Milton-Madison Bridge. In exchange, the Jefferson County city will take responsibility of a stretch of State Road 56, which is Madison's historic Main Street. Construction on the new approach is set to begin in 2018 and when its complete, the city will be on the hook for maintenance.

June 27, 2014

News Release

MADISON, Ind. – Following a March meeting between Mayor Damon Welch and Governor Mike Pence, the Indiana Department of Transportation has agreed to reroute and improve its approach to the new Milton-Madison Bridge in exchange for turning over State Road 56/Main Street to the city.

“This opportunity is a win-win for Madison and Jefferson County,” said Mayor Welch. “The new approach would serve as a gateway to the community while we develop our historic Main Street to enhance tourism.”

A detailed review of environmental impacts would begin later this year, during which a route for the improved approach would be recommended and public input sought. Upon completion of environmental review and land purchases, INDOT would finance and bid the estimated $14 million project in the fiscal year starting July 2018.

“Roads mean jobs, and U.S. 421 serves as a vital link for cross-river commerce with the new Milton-Madison Bridge,” said Indiana Governor Mike Pence. “I applaud the work of the Indiana Department of Transportation and the City of Madison to improve the Indiana bridge approach, which will make Madison an even better place to live and work.”

After the new approach opens, the city of Madison would take over maintenance responsibilities of 4.4 miles of state highways:

-State Road 56/Main Street from S.R. 62/Clifty Drive to the west junction of U.S. 421

-Portions of U.S. 421 between S.R. 56/Main Street and the Milton-Madison Bridge that would not be used in the new approach

-State Road 256 from S.R. 62/Clifty Drive to S.R. 56

Source: Indiana Department of Transportation