Martinsville Leaders Seeking Public Input On Design Elements For I-69 Section 6

Martinsville leaders are asking for feedback on what certain elements of I-69 Section 6 should look like.

The city, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Transportation, is opening up a two-week survey for residents to share their thoughts on the appearance of wall barriers, fencing, and ornamental lighting.

Mayor Shannon Kohl (R-Martinsville) says residents should have a say in the project.

“This is all of our community, and everyone wants to make Martinsville proud, and so it matters to us what the community would like to see, their input, what they feel they want to see for their community, because this is going to be here for a long time.”

Martinsville’s Aesthetics Task Force, which consists of local residents, has been working with INDOT regularly and has helped determine other design elements that will be put in place.

“Our goal is to guide the process toward aesthetic elements that are clean, modern and unique, while still complimenting the history of Martinsville,” says task force member Ben Rawlins.

INDOT Public Affairs Manager Andy Dietrick says adding the extra aesthetic elements is worth the effort and what he says will be a small cost. INDOT projects Section 6 will cost a total of $1.5 billion.

Construction of the main stretch is expected to begin in 2020, although work on an overpass and other projects could start next year.

The state says Section 5 of I-69, which runs from Bloomington to Martinsville, will be finished by the end of August. That’s nearly two years behind schedule.

The design element survey is open from July 2 to July 16.