Pfaff files bill to enhance safety on I-70

State Rep. Tonya Pfaff (D-Terre Haute) filed House Bill 1087 to shorten the timeline for critical infrastructure improvements along I-70, including the addition of a third lane. This legislation aims to alleviate chronic road congestion and enhance safety on this important stretch of roadway.

“Terre Haute is literally the crossroads of America, and we are proud to serve as a vital link in our local, state, and national economy,” Pfaff said. “While I am proud to represent this key thoroughfare, we must take action to make it safer and more efficient for everyone who relies on it. House Bill 1087 has the potential to bring critical investments to our community to achieve both of these goals.”

Pfaff emphasized the importance of modernizing infrastructure to support Hoosier families and businesses. “Far too many lives have been impacted by tragic accidents on I-70 caused by outdated infrastructure. This bill will help us address a decades-old problem, improve public safety, and reduce traffic delays that cost families and businesses valuable time and money,” she said.

“We want West Central Indiana to be a place where businesses thrive and families can live safely and comfortably,” Pfaff added. “Prioritizing infrastructure improvements like the expansion of I-70 is essential to keeping our area attractive and economically competitive. I’m proud to champion this legislation at the Statehouse as a member of the House Committee tasked with writing our state’s budget.”

Pfaff worked on the legislation in collaboration with local stakeholders, including the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce.

“Tragic wrecks and hours of delays for travelers have plagued the stretch of I-70 near Terre Haute between the state line and Exit 41 for years,” said Kristin Craig, President and CEO of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. “The results have been loss of life, including families and children, and overall loss of confidence in this critical piece of infrastructure.

“With Indiana investing so much in its ability to grow, unaddressed issues such as the safety and reliability of this major thoroughfare will stagnate growth in West Central Indiana and impact the entire state. Due to overwhelming safety and economic impact concerns, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce supports the legislation introduced by Representative Pfaff which allows the state to expedite the timeline of improvements along the I-70 corridor between the Illinois state line and Indianapolis. This would include prioritizing a third lane expansion in areas of greatest safety concern and key infrastructure components, such as bridges, along the corridor."