Indiana Democratic Party Asks INDOT to Provide All Records Surrounding I-65 Bridge on Wildcat Creek

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Democratic Party today formally asked the Indiana Department of Transportation to release all communication surrounding “DES #1005679” – known as the I-65 Northbound Bridge on Wildcat Creek. This request comes after more than a month of exaggerated commutes by frustrated travelers and more than six major accidents along INDOT’s proposed detour route.

“With more than six major accidents along the proposed INDOT detour and the state feeling a significant impact to its economy, the I-65 Bridge closure represents the headache Hoosiers have when it comes to Indiana’s D+ rated infrastructure,” said John Zody, Chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party. “In just one month, their state has seen yet another one of its coveted reputations – ‘Crossroads of America’ – placed in jeopardy. Frustrated Hoosiers have the right to know if this problem was at all preventable because this bridge closure has single-handedly clogged one of the most vital transportation and economic arteries in the state. It’s time answers are brought to the table right now. Indiana’s economic and overall well-being are depending on it.”

In the letter, Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody asked Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Brandye Hendrickson to formally release all emails and documents between INDOT and all other parties involved with the expansion project of “DES #1005679” – an assigned number by INDOT to identify the I-65 Bridge in the agency’s scheduling system. Zody also asked for INDOT to remain transparent with Hoosiers on this issue that puts Indiana on the verge of losing its valued “Crossroads of America” reputation.

Earlier this month, Governor Mike Pence was asked whether he supported using the state’s $2.1 billion surplus to help solve today’s infrastructure problems. While he said he was open to it, Gov. Pence provided only “maybe” answers – pointing to a short-term fix in 2016 and a long-term solution in 2017. But with incidents like the I-65 Bridge closure and State Road 156, everyday Hoosiers can’t wait for Gov. Pence and the Statehouse GOP to be late to the game to fix the issues that currently hold Indiana back from reaching its full potential.