The Corridor

Corridor Facts: The 122-mile U.S. 31 corridor is an economic powerhouse for the region, state and Midwest. Improving the corridor to interstate-quality will enhance mobility, improve safety and promote continued economic growth. Length: 122 miles from I-465 to U.S. 20 bypass Population: 831,463 in corridor, 2.22 million in corridor and contiguous counties Employment: 430,875 in corridor, 1.17 million in corridor and contiguous counties

Growth: Population and job growth along the corridor rates 50 percent higher than state as a whole The Michiana area of South Bend, Mishawaka and Elkhart is the 2nd largest market in the state. Kokomo/Howard County is home to 9,150 employees of DaimlerChrysler and 8,200 employees of Delphi Delco Electronics. Hamilton County ranks 1st in the state and 6th in the U.S. in Median Household Income. Other stats: • The corridor boasts population and job growth rates that are 50 percent higher than the state. • The project would provide $3.20 in benefits for every $1.00 of cost. • The economic impact of expansion of existing businesses, attraction of new businesses and changes in tourist activity would produce a projected economic benefit of $1.3 billion over 30 years. • 2,600 accidents and 12 fatalities per year would be prevented by improving the corridor to interstate-quality. • Average speed along the length of the route is projected to drop to 36.1 miles per hour if no improvements are made. • An interstate quality U.S. 31 will promote the economic vitality of this region. Indiana residents and businesses, as well as tourists to Indiana, will benefit from improving this corridor.

The US 31 Coalition is a group of citizens, companies, and elected officials who are dedicated to the upgrading of US 31 to a free flowing thoroughfare connecting US 20 in St. Joseph county to I-465 in Marion County. It's membership includes 9 Cities, 6 Counties, and over 25 Companies located in and near the US 31 corridor in northern and central Indiana.