Some Harrison County farmland and forested areas could be in jeopardy with plans for a new highway connector. Now, some neighbors are trying to put a stop to those plans and protect their property. The Watson Road Connector would join Highways 11 and 135 at Highway 337. Harrison County commissioners approved the Watson Road Connector last week in a trade with the state. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will take on the $34 million project, and the county will take over a few state roads. Commissioners said the 5-mile connector will serve as a shortcut for drivers to avoid miles of windy roads. Officials said the project has been a priority in the county’s plans since 2003. INDOT isn’t sure how many properties will be affected, as a final design has not been selected. Taking into account the general direction of the project, neighbors believe up to seven properties could be affected in some way. Construction would not start until 2026, at the earliest. Neighbors plan to attend the next County Commissioners meeting on Monday, March 2 at 8:30 a.m. at the Harrison County Government Center, 245 Atwood Drive in Corydon.

Source: https://www.wdrb.com/news/harrison-county-neighbors-fight-against-plans-for-rural-highway-connector/article_b8ec2c86-59da-11ea-8a43-6b13aa45348d.html

WDRB
Sara Sidery
02/27/2020