This rendering shows where Apache Drive in Rochester (shown in blue) will be extended and connected to the roadway by Peace Tree Village (shown in orange). The upper left corner of the map shows where Apache Drive currently stops by Beacon Credit Union and The Outlet Youth Center. Photo provided by USI Consultants.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

An approximately $3.2 million project extending Apache Drive in Rochester is meant to help with future US 31 connectivity.

That’s according to Rochester Redevelopment Commission President Brett Curnutt.

Leaders plan to break ground on Monday, Oct. 16, for the project, which involves the actual road construction as well as supporting infrastructure. The project is being paid for with the help of a $1 million Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, or READI, state grant, along with $1.7 million contributed from budgeted Rochester funds and $500,000 from budgeted Fulton County funds.

Curnutt, who will serve next year on the Rochester Board of Public Works and Safety, noted the project will allow SR 25 and SR 14 to be connected in another spot.

“We took an investment into the future as a county and a city to join together with this Apache Drive connection to SR 14 and connecting it of course then to State Road 25, which is a very important connection in the US 31 corridor as a primary … exit,” he said. “And the exclusiveness of that is yet to be determined, but very probable as I’m sure, (as) final plans in several years ahead (could) allow 25 and 31’s exit to be one of the few … possibly between here and South Bend.”

The project will assist with truck traffic coming in and out of Kroger too, said Curnutt.

“(Semis will be able to) come in from 14 and pull a little more off of city streets,” he said.

In addition, the project will allow for “probably 20-25 acres of affected real estate (for development),” said Curnutt, mentioning that could be commercial as well as residential.

“It’s just called good fiscal management of the people’s money,” he said. “It’s being ready and being prepared for commercial activity in this area that’s going to take a lot of pressure off of trucking concerns with SR 25 and 14. They’ve got two different directions to come from. It’s going to take semis away from strollers in the parking lot of retail establishments currently being utilized, and it’s going to promote what we believe will be a lot more retail activity in an area that can be developed to welcome that as a part of its footprint.”

Curnutt, who held various public offices when he previously lived in Tipton, including being a city councilman and mayor, said Rochester’s and Fulton County’s visions for the future seem right on track.

“So I can tell you that the vision of Rochester, Indiana, and Fulton County is very well addressed with current leadership and future leadership, and I’m excited to be a part of watching these ladies and gentlemen work together to create a tremendous opportunity in all directions, not just retail, for the future of Fulton County and Rochester,” he said.

Rochester Redevelopment Commission President Brett Curnutt looks over plans for the extension of Apache Drive in Rochester, which is meant to improve road connectivity in the US 31 area. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.