Will light rail connect Anderson to Indy?

To some a light rail service for greater Indianapolis is the long-term solution to transportation issues facing central Indiana. To others, it is a pipe dream.

This spring, Governor Mitch Daniels backed off a proposal to create the Indiana Commerce Connector (ICC), a 75-mile outerbelt tollway. Daniels said the ICC would reduce traffic on many of the region’s most-traveled roadways, including I-69, the I-465 loop and I-70.

The goal would have to be achieved another way, and many state legislators have thrown their support behind a light rail transit system.

“High speed commuter rail could be just such an important catalyst for the future economic vitality of Madison County and central Indiana,” said State Sen. Tim Lanane, D-District 25. “And it should be part of what government and business study now in putting together a transportation strategy for our future.”

Lanane said such a system could reduce emissions, while traveling more than 100 mph to deliver commuters to work on time. Even the most aggressive estimates predict 10 years before a light rail transit system in central Indiana becomes a reality.

Compiled by

JUSTIN SCHNEIDER

justin.schneider@heraldbulletin.com