Ruling clears the way for environmental and engineering studies along project route.
JASPER, Indiana (August 26, 2025) – A Dubois County judge has ruled that the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and its contractors have the legal right to enter certain private properties in order to complete surveys for the Mid-States Corridor project.
In its ruling, the Court found that:
- Indiana law clearly allows INDOT to enter land for surveys after giving advance notice.
- INDOT provided property owners with proper notice well before survey work was scheduled.
- Refusing access has delayed the project, raised costs for taxpayers, and created safety concerns for workers.
- Moving forward with surveys serves the public interest by keeping the project on track.
The decision gives INDOT permanent permission to carry out environmental, archaeological, and engineering surveys on properties that fall within or next to the project route. Judge Nathan Verkamp wrote in the court’s order that property owners are banned from interfering with the state’s survey work. If they violate the court’s order, they may face fines, legal fees, or other penalties. Local and state police may assist INDOT if needed to ensure survey crews can safely do their work.
“This ruling affirms that INDOT and their contractors can complete the surveys needed to responsibly study the land, that they followed all the laws, and can keep the project moving forward for the benefit of the region.”
“The Mid-States Corridor project is an important investment in our future,” said Colten Pipenger, Executive Director of Dubois Strong and member of Hoosiers for the Corridor. “This ruling affirms that INDOT and their contractors can complete the surveys needed to responsibly study the land, that they followed all the laws, and can keep the project moving forward for the benefit of the region.”
The Mid-States Corridor project, approved by the Federal Highway Administration in 2023, is a major infrastructure effort designed to improve travel and long-term economic growth in southern Indiana. Before construction can begin, state and federal law require detailed studies of the land, including identifying wetlands and streams, mapping property features, studying wildlife habitats, and checking for archaeological sites. These surveys help planners design the road and reduce impacts on nearby communities and the environment.
Visit HoosiersForTheCorridor.com for an overview of the Mid-States Corridor project and the key benefits for southern Indiana residents in Dubois, Martin, and Daviess Counties.
About the Mid-States Corridor
The Mid-States Corridor Project examines an improved highway connection in southern Indiana. The Corridor generally follows US 231 from Interstate 64, passing east of Huntingburg and the Jasper area, and extends north to connect to Interstate 69. The preferred route has been divided into five Sections of Independent Utility (SIU) for individual Tier 2 analysis. The Section 2 study extends from I-64, around Huntingburg and Jasper, to SR 56 at Haysville. It launched in July 2024 and is anticipated to take approximately three years to complete. Timelines for SIU 3, 4, and 5 have not yet been determined.
Media Contact
Colten Pipenger
Executive Director, Dubois Strong
Member of Hoosiers for the Corridor
(812) 482-9650