For some strange reason, every time there is a big story breaking about the Nickel Plate Rail Line, I seem to be out of town.  That is what happened on Monday, July 31st.  That is the day the owners of the line made the decision many expected.

The decision comes down to this.  The rail line, running from Tipton south to Indianapolis, is owned by three governmental entities….Fishers, Noblesville and Hamilton County.  Officials from all three governments announced late in 2016 that they would move forward with a plan converting the Nickel Plate Rail Line to a trail from downtown Noblesville south to 96th Street, taking the trail through the City of Fishers all the way to the Hamilton-Marion County Line.

This decision means there will no longer be a fair train running from downtown Fishers to the State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.  The fair train ran for many years, but ended in 2016 when the Hoosier Heritage Port Authority, the entity with appointees selected by the track owners, had the rails inspected and made a decision that the rails were not up to safety standards.

The Indiana Transportation Museum in Noblesville argued strongly that the rail line was not as bad as the Port Authority determined.  But as the owners, the Authority had the legal right to make that judgment.

There was a public hearing in Noblesville to take comments on the trail proposal, and the rail supporters filled the room to overflow, making emotional arguments to save the rail line.

The Port Authority then took requests for proposals on the use of the entire line. The three owners reviewed all the proposals and announced their decision Monday morning.  There will be some rail excursions, after acceptance of the proposal submitted by Hamilton County Tourism Inc. on behalf of Arcadia Arts & Heritage Depot and Atlanta Pacific Railroad LLC.  The approved bid calls for operating tourism trains only on the northern portion of the corridor—from Arcadia to Tipton.

The county abstained from voting because Commissioner Christine Altman recused herself and Commissioner Steve Dillinger was not present at the Monday morning gathering.  That left only one commissioner, Mark Heirbrandt, available to vote.  But the votes of Mayors Ditslear and Fadness were enough to approve the plan.

Hamilton County, Fishers & Noblesville will now move forward on converting the rail line south of downtown Noblesville to 96th Street.

There have been a number of twists and turns along the way.  Some rail supporters utilized the Indiana public access laws to make public e-mails from Noblesville Deputy Mayor Steve Cooke.  The messages were embarrassing, leading to Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear to remove Cooke from the rail issue.

Rail supporters asked for a federal court injunction but the judge turned down that request.  There is a civil lawsuit pending over the rail vs. trail issue, but no one knows how that will end.

I have written several times that this entire debate has pulled me in a number of different directions,  I have very fond memories of the Nickel Plate train.  I took my daughters on the fair train when they were young.  My wife and I took the dinner train excursions and enjoyed them very much.  It is very clear to anyone familiar with the history of Fishers and Noblesville that the Nickel Plate Rail Line is very much a part of the fabric that helped build Fishers into the community we have today.

But, in talking with many city officials, they are looking for a trans-formative use for that rail line.  For many years, there was talk of a mass transit connection to downtown Indianapolis.  That talk faded as Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness began talking about how technology will likely make our current mass transit systems obsolete.  It was after he began making that argument that the trail proposal was unveiled.

Whether you agree or disagree with the plan announced by the three owners of the rail line, all of us most understand the reality of the situation.  The three government entities owning the track are elected officials.  We elect our mayors and county commissioners to make these decisions.  The governments own the track and those elected to run those governments have made their decision.

Barring some unforeseen event, such as a court ruling, this decision has been made.  It is time to move forward, whether we agree or disagree with the decision.

Here is this week’s edition of Hamilton County Goes To The Movies.  Justin Mack is our guest – he handles breaking news on IndyStar.com and has a daily video posted on the Web site.  Adam & I review the films Dunkirk & The Big Sick

Posted by

Hamilton County Reporter

The new double-crossover diamond interchange at Campus Parkway and Interstate 69 (Exit 210) is nearly complete and is anticipated to open to its final traffic pattern next week. Additional lanes will be opened in both directions over I-69 and on some interchange ramps.

Milestone Contractors plans to pave surface asphalt and apply final pavement markings starting Monday night, July 31. In order to complete the work more safely and efficiently, the interchange will be partially closed each night next week between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Campus Parkway access over I-69 will be closed. The Campus Parkway entrance ramps to I-69 and the I-69 exit ramps to Campus Parkway may be closed. Electronic message signs and police will advise motorists of the closures and direct traffic to the Olio Road overpass to cross over the interstate during the overnight operations.

Weather permitting, the interchange is expected to be complete and open in its final configuration and capacity by the end of the week. Some additional work may remain with little to no impact to traffic.

Click here to watch a short video on how to navigate a double-crossover diamond interchange. The video is provided by INDOT.

About the double-crossover diamond interchange

Two similar interchanges have been constructed with success in Indiana. The first was at I-69 and Dupont Road in Fort Wayne, and the second was built at I-65 and Worthsville Road in Greenwood.

This interchange design may appear unusual, but by following signs, pavement markings and traffic signal instructions, drivers find these interchanges easy to navigate.

Right turns at double-crossover diamond interchanges are very similar to traditional intersections.

For traffic crossing the Campus Parkway bridge over I-69, traffic signals, signs and pavement markings briefly shift traffic to the left side of the road. This allows left-turning traffic to flow more freely as it enters and exits I-69.

Through traffic on Campus Parkway shifts back to the right side of the road at the next traffic signal.

Added travel lane construction

Widening Campus Parkway at I-69 and building the double-crossover diamond interchange is part of the $92 million I-69 Major Moves 2020 project adding a travel lane to each direction of I-69 between State Road 37 (Exit 205) and State Road 38 (Exit 219). In addition, other improvements are being made to rehabilitate existing bridges, pavement and drainage structures on the 15-mile stretch of interstate.

Two lanes of traffic in each direction of I-69 are currently shifted to accommodate construction of the additional travel lanes. Signs direct large trucks to use the left lane while traffic is shifted toward the right shoulder through the work zone. The speed limit is reduced to 60 mph and further reduced to 50 mph when workers are present.

I-69 is expected to open to three lanes in each direction between State Road 37 and State Road 38 before the end of this year.

For more information about the I-69 Major Moves 2020 project, visit http://www.in.gov/indot/3440.htm and subscribe to receive project updates via text or email.

Posted by

Hamilton County Reporter

Jill Doyle, Executive Director for the Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA), has announced she is stepping down at the end of August. Doyle has served HCLA for the past seven years.

In a statement posted on the HCLA website, Doyle said, “The Hamilton County Leadership Academy has a strong board of directors in place and a dedicated group of volunteers and stakeholders ready to continue to move this organization forward.  I have no doubt that HCLA is in a great position for the future!”

Doyle thanked the people who had helped support and mentor her in her role as executive director. “I firmly believe in this community leadership program and know that I will continue to see many of you leading and contributing to all of the organizations that make Hamilton County a great place to live, work and play,” Doyle said. “I will always be an advocate of HCLA and hope that you will also continue to support the mission of educating and inspiring leaders to create change in our community.”

HCLA Board President Jody L. Dedon responded to Doyle announcement by thanking Doyle for her service and dedication.

“Jill has made Hamilton County a better place through her service to HCLA,” Dedon said. “Through Jill’s unyielding leadership, HCLA is poised for future growth. A board transition committee is already working toward identifying candidates.”

A new executive director is expected to be named this fall.

by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

(Note: Commentaries by Fred Swift are posted on as a result of a partnership between the Hamilton County Reporter and LarryInFishers.com.  Views expressed are those of Mr. Swift and do not necessarily reflect the views LarryInFishers.com)

Decision time for the future of the Nickel Plate Railroad is at hand, but few involved seem anxious to make that decision. It is not the best kept secret that city and county administrations want to convert the railroad to a hiking trail from downtown Noblesville south to at least the Marion County line. But, it is controversial with Nickel Plate supporters objecting to most any plan that would remove significant portions of the railway.

But, for those supporters, the time is approaching when they must decide whether it is better to take half a loaf or continue their fight and possibly watch the rails rust. The cities of Noblesville and Fishers along with the county own the tracks and seem willing to keep the railroad intact to the north from Forest Park to Tipton.

The Hoosier Heritage Port Authority which administers the rail line for the owners, have accepted proposals from five groups which advised they are able and willing to operate all or part of the railroad. The port authority has passed along these proposals to city and county officials for a decision, but no date has been set for the three governmental entities to vote.

The controversy grew this week when it was revealed that Noblesville Deputy Mayor Steve Cooke tried to rig a public meeting on the railroad’s future by filling seats with folks who favor a trail. His emails favoring the city’s position were made public, thus embarrassing the city administration and possibly slowing a decision. Cooke was reassigned to duties other than promoting the trail plan. Usually, it would be a matter of money that would keep anything from happening. In this case, however, there is money available. It would come indirectly from the Hamilton County Visitor and Convention Bureau which has submitted a plan to provide train service to the north and a trail to the south, a plan that is likely to be accepted.

Generally known as the Tourism Bureau, this county governmental agency collects large amounts of money each year from an innkeeper’s tax on all hotel and motel rooms which visitors pay along with room rent. Last year the bureau had revenues of $3,573,000, according to its financial statement. The income may near $4 million this year.

In their proposal, Tourism would make any needed safety repairs, supply engines and train cars, crews to operate a train and oversee removal of the rails south of Forest Park, but not be responsible for the cost of converting the rail bed to a trail from Noblesville south to 96th Street. No estimate has been given on the overall cost of the plans.

Tourism officials consider the passenger train experience to be a tourist attraction, and would repay themselves or any loan they might make from train ticket sales. Presumably the popular Polar Bear Express, dinner train and other excursion rides would be scheduled, but the Fairtrain would, of course, not be possible.

So, the hot potato is in the hands of Mayors John Ditslear and Scott Fadness of Fishers along with county commissioners. And, it’s time to act.

Lindsey Erdody of the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ) does a great job covering the business side of Indy’s northern suburbs in her North of 96th beat.  Lindsey often lists the comings and goings of business in the northern suburbs, including Fishers.

Here are some of her Fishers-related items in her latest Roundup column published on the IBJ Web site (you can see her entire listing at this link).

–You may have already seen the signs, but the former Walgreen’s location near 126th Street and State Road 37 (12550 Reynolds Drive will soon become a Dollar Tree.

–Look for Planet Fitness to add a location in Fishers, 11728 Fishers Crossing Drive, near Allisonville Road.

–Gratitude Boutique and Gifts is now open at 8912 E. 96th St. in the former Salon Krelic spot.

–Toppers Pizza plans to open at 11640 Brooks School Road, near 116th Street. This would be the second Hamilton County location. The chain, started in Whitewater, Wisconsin in 1993, with more than 100 stores now open in the Midwest.

Road construction projects continue in and around the Fishers area as summer work continues in full force.  Below is the city’s listing of projects for the work week starting Monday, July 31st.  Most of the items on this list have been in progress most of the summer, but LarryInFishers provides this list as a heads-up for area motorists.

The list below is provided by the City of Fishers:

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113TH STREET

Lane restrictions will occur on 113th Street from Olio Road to Florida Road throughout the summer in order for the contractor to resurface and make improvements to the roadway.

126TH STREET

Starting on or after July 31st, one lane of eastbound 126th Street just east of Brooks School Road will be closed while a storm sewer is repaired. The closure is expected to last a few days. Please drive with caution.

Expect periodic lane restrictions between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on 126th Street between Allisonville Road and Lantern Road while the contractor installs passing blisters near Reserve at Lantern. Flaggers will be on site to direct traffic during the restrictions.

106TH AND CUMBERLAND ROAD

Periodic lane restrictions will take place at 106th Street and Cumberland Road while storm sewers are being inspected. Please drive with caution.

ALLISONVILLE ROAD

Starting Thursday, August 3 (weather permitting), the outside northbound lane on Allisonville Road just north of 116th Street will be closed for approximately 3 days while a new gas service is being installed for Kroger.

96TH STREET

Construction has begun on the new roundabout at 96th Street and Lantern Road. 96th Street traffic between Kincaid Drive and Fitness Lane/Pinecreek Drive will be reduced to one lane in each direction throughout the summer.

136TH AND PRAIRIE BAPTIST ROAD

The Hamilton County Highway Department has closed the intersection of 136th Street and Prairie Baptist Road to allow the contractor to reconstruct the intersection. The closure is scheduled to last approximately 60 days. Please follow signs for detour routes. Questions regarding this project may be directed to the Hamilton County Highway Department at 317-773-7770.

116TH STREET

Periodic lane restrictions will occur starting the week of July 24th on 116th Street west of Allisonville Road as the contractor repairs concrete curbs and ramps in preparation for resurfacing the roadway. Restrictions will be in place between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Please drive with caution.

There will also be lane restrictions on 116th Street between I-69 and Cumberland Road throughout the summer in order for the contractor to make improvements to 116th Street.

BROOKS SCHOOL ROAD

The Brooks School Road bridge over Interstate 69 is closed as Milestone Contractors rebuild the bridge deck. During the closure, traffic will be detoured to Promise Road via 126th and 136th streets. The bridge will remain closed until August.

I-69 AND CAMPUS PARKWAY

The Campus Parkway interchange was recently shifted into a double-crossover traffic pattern. The interchange will remain under construction through July, when it is expected to be fully open to traffic in its permanent configuration.

Multiple traffic lane shifts will be required to complete construction of the new interchange design. Each phase of remaining construction will bring the interchange closer to its final traffic configuration and capacity. For more information about the new traffic pattern, please visit http://www.in.gov/indot/3441.htm
Milestone Contractors has begun mobilizing cranes and other equipment and setting a temporary concrete barrier wall along I-69 at Campus Parkway Exit 210. Work will require alternating lane closures on northbound and southbound I69 between 9 p.m. and 6 p.m. Lane closures may reoccur each night through the end of the week depending on weather and progress. Questions about this project should be directed to INDOT at eastcentralin@indot.in.gov or 1-855-463-6848.
STATE ROAD 37

Contractors have begun work a $1.5 million drainage structure construction project on State Road 37 between 146th Street and Greenfield Avenue in Noblesville.

The first phase of construction will shift two lanes in each direction toward the right shoulders to provide room for construction in the median. The second phase will shift traffic toward the median to allow construction to be completed along the outside shoulders. All work on the project is expected to be complete this summer.

Starting May 1, geotechnical drilling will begin along the State Road 37 corridor as part of the final design phase of State Road 37 Improvement Project. Lane and shoulder restrictions will be active through July 31.

The geotechnical drilling will cause lane restrictions on SR 37 from 131st Street to 146th Street through July 31. Lane closures are expected to continue for the 131st Street intersection through July 23, and lane closures will commence at the 146th Street intersection on or after July 10. Southbound restrictions begin after 9 a.m. daily and northbound restrictions will be completed daily before 4 p.m. to allow for maximum traffic flow during peak rush hours.

State Road 37 turn lanes will not be affected during lane closures and crews will maintain a minimum of one throughlane at all times.

The SR37 improvement project is a $124 million joint project between Fishers, Hamilton County, Noblesville and INDOT. Questions or concerns may be directed to drivefishers@fishers.in.us.
OUTSIDE OF FISHERS

The City of Carmel has closed 116th Street and Hazel Dell Parkway for the construction of a roundabout. This closure is expected to last for 75 days. Questions and updates about this project should be directed to the City of Carmel at 317-571-2400.

While this list encompasses numerous project updates, it does not list all DPW projects throughout the city. The most recent projects are detailed, however please keep in mind that all construction activities are weather permitting. We appreciate motorists’ patience and caution while driving through construction sites.

Hamilton Southeastern School Superintendent Allen Bourff talks about the start of school and many other issues, including elementary school redistricting that will come with a new building soon to be under construction.

(NOTE: The Hamilton County Reporter newspaper has obtained e-mails from a person described as “a concerned citizen.”  This “concerned citizen” received copies of these e-mails through Indiana’s public access laws.  The release of these e-mails has resulted in Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear releasing a statement saying Deputy Mayor Steve Cooke will  “turn his attention to other city projects and let the discussion about the Nickel Plate Trail continue under the leadership of other city officials.”  I want to clearly point out that LarryInFishers.com has taken no position on the future of the Nickel Plate Rail Line, as to whether the line should be a trail or continue as a rail rail from Noblesville south to 96th Street, which takes-in a part of Fishers.  I post this story through a partnership LarryInFishers.com has with the Hamilton County Reporter)

by

Hamilton County Reporter

A concerned citizen recently filed a request for information for “copies of public records (electronic or print) that relate to the City of Noblesville and its interactions regarding the Indiana Transportation Museum as well as the Nickel Plate Trail proposal” under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act. This information was then given to The Reporter. Some emails point to both Noblesville Deputy Mayor Steve Cooke attempting to fill a public forum with front-row supporters of his own view and a pattern of disrespect toward citizens who do not agree with his perspectives on city projects.

The Reporter contacted Deputy Mayor Cooke, Mayor John Ditslear and the Noblesville Common Council to ask for their views on some specific emails which were provided as part of the public records request.

The following are specific email excerpts, The Reporter’s questions and Cooke’s replies.

Continue reading Hamilton County Reporter Publishes E-Mails Dealing With Nickel Plate Debate →

The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board took legal steps to move forward with building projects at the Wednesday evening meeting.

The board adopted a resolution giving approval to preliminary plans for the new elementary school building on Cyntheanne Road.  This will pave the way for a public hearing at the next regular board session on the plans to finance the new, as-yet-unnamed school.

The board approved bids for the Central Office and Cumberland Road Elementary school construction projects.  Facilities Manager Harry Delks told board members the Cumberland Road Elementary work has been “a really challenging project,” but things “will be ready as they should be by the time school opens up.”