A network of bike routes, a regional bus system and denser housing are some of the recommendations in Northwest Indiana's transportation plan update. The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) has released a draft version of its NWI 2050+ plan.
A large component is active transportation — making it easier to get around the Region on foot or by bike. The plan recommends creating a network of routes by upgrading existing streets to reach places the trail system doesn't. Improvements could include signage, bike lanes or side paths.
The plan also calls for single-family homes to be built closer together. That would reduce travel distances, as well as the amount of land required to meet future housing demands.
NWI 2050+ also notes some of the challenges facing the Region's transportation network. Most railroad crossing injuries and deaths are clustered in Gary, Hammond and East Chicago — while Hammond sees the most blocked crossings. Additionally, Region railroads saw a spike in the number of hazardous materials spills in 2021, although the greatest amount of material spilled since 2011 came from pipelines.
The plan predicts a decrease in carbon emissions from 2017 to 2030, as NIPSCO moves to renewable energy — but an increase from then to 2050, due to population and economic growth.
NIRPC is taking comments on the draft plan until May 5. More public open houses are planned for next week in Hammond, Michigan City and Valparaiso.
