Link 101 is an Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) study to identify a preferred alternative for an improved State Road 101 connection between the Markland Dam east of Vevay and US 50.

There is currently no continuous north-south connection between US 50 and the Markland Dam Bridge on the Ohio River. In addition to lacking connectivity, current routes are winding, making them ineffective for travel and freight movement.

The SR 101 extension will provide more direct access to I-71 and US 50 and improve connectivity in southeastern Indiana.

The southern terminus of the project is the Markland Dam east of Vevay. The project area extends north to US 50.

The project study area is the area where alternative routes will be developed to connect SR 101 from the Markland Dam to US 50. The project area includes portions of Switzerland, Ohio, Dearborn and Ripley counties.

The study will determine the alignment for the project including the type and width of roadway.

The Project Team is establishing design criteria, developing environmental methodologies and initiating conversations with key stakeholders and area agencies. Stakeholder meetings and an initial public meeting were held in early 2023 to introduce the project and begin gathering feedback.

The Project Team will evaluate alternatives within a process defined by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The study will analyze the benefits, impacts and costs of the alternatives and Identify ways to avoid, minimize or mitigate any impacts.

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires a detailed evaluation of major projects that will include federal funding. The study informs action agencies of potential effects and impacts before decisions regarding the construction of highways and other publicly-owned facilities.

The NEPA process includes:

• Identifying the project’s purpose and need
• Identifying primary and secondary goals for the project
• Developing a wide range of possible alternatives and screening them to determine reasonable alternatives
• Analyzing and comparing the benefits, impacts and costs of a range of reasonable alternatives to identify a preferred alternative
• Identifying ways to avoid, minimize or mitigate anticipated impacts
• Analyzing a no-build alternative as a baseline for comparing alternatives
• Involving the public through outreach and meetings to gather feedback
• Coordinating and consulting with local, state and federal agencies
• Coordinating with historic preservation groups and Tribal representatives regarding potential impacts to resources

The NEPA study is expected to take about 3 years and will identify a selected alternative. That’s expected to happen in early 2026.

A timeline for construction will be determined at the end of the environmental study.

Governor Holcomb announced $200 million in funding for the project in 2021 as part of a package of investments in southern Indiana to better connect communities and enhance commerce. Additional funding needs will be identified as the project is developed.

No. Right-of-way acquisition will not begin until after the environmental study is complete. Right-of-way acquisition must comply with the Federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act to ensure fair compensation and assistance for those whose property is acquired for public use. Click here for additional information from INDOT’s Real Estate Division.

The Project Team will study historic properties and resources in the project area. The Section 106 process, prescribed by the National Historic Preservation Act, will include the identification of any historic properties impacted by the project and ways to avoid, minimize or mitigate any adverse effects.

A construction timeline will be determined at the end of the environmental study. The process of identifying a selected alternative is expected to be complete in early 2026.

Public involvement is an important part of the environmental study process, and there are several ways for those interested in the project to stay involved. Public meetings will be held at key project milestones, and a public hearing and comment period are expected.

The Project Team will meet with key stakeholder groups to share information and gather feedback throughout the study. These groups include elected officials, community leaders and coordinating agencies. The Project Team is also available to meet with community groups and business organizations.

No. Link 101 is considering improvements to north-south connectivity within the project area.  There is currently a gap in SR 101 between the Markland Dam and US 50.  If an improved route is identified, it’s anticipated it would be designated as SR 101. It’s important to note, however, that this new route does not need to connect to US 50 near the existing SR 101 intersection to be designated as SR 101.  

No, the state of Indiana is no longer pursuing plans to acquire land near Lawrenceburg to serve as the state’s fourth port. Gov. Eric Holcomb announced in 2020 the needed environmental remediation work would take years to complete and the site was not feasible for the purpose. There is no connection between the previous discussions for the site and the Link 101 project.

Interested parties can subscribe to email updates on the project website, Link101Corridor.com, or text “INDOT Link101” to 468311 for text updates. Project information and updates are routinely shared on social media and are accessible by following Link 101 on Facebook and Twitter.

INDOT is the project’s sponsor and is overseeing its development, in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration. Parsons Corporation is the lead project development and design firm. To connect with the Project Team, email info@link101corridor.com or call 844-LINK-101 (844-546-5101).

A Project Office is located at Switzerland County Technology and Education Center. It’s open Monday and Wednesday from 10am to 3pm and by appointment. Questions about the project can also be directed to the project office. The mailing address is:

Link 101 Project Office
Switzerland County Technology and Education Center
708 W. Seminary St., Box #8
Vevay, IN 47043