Frequently Asked Questions
About the ProPEL and PEL Process
What is a PEL Study
A Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) study is an early transportation planning study that happens before specific projects are identified. The purpose of a PEL study is to engage the public and stakeholders early so community goals can be evaluated alongside transportation needs, engineering considerations, and environmental concerns. This collaborative approach helps identify potential solutions before design decisions are made. INDOT refers to these early planning efforts as ProPEL studies, which are intended to move communities forward through smarter transportation infrastructure.
What is ProPEL S.R. 2?
ProPEL S.R. 2 is a planning effort led by INDOT to evaluate the long-term transportation needs of the State Road 2 corridor in northern Indiana. The study will assess how the corridor functions today, identify safety and mobility needs, and explore potential improvements that could support future growth while reflecting community priorities. No decisions have been made about specific improvements, designs, or construction.
Why is INDOT conducting this study now?
INDOT routinely evaluates Indiana’s transportation system to ensure it meets current and future needs. Traffic patterns, safety concerns, and community goals can change over time, and ProPEL S.R. 2 provides an opportunity to reassess this corridor with fresh data and public input. Conducting the study now allows INDOT to plan proactively, identify potential issues, and align future transportation investments with local plans and community priorities.
How is a PEL study different from a typical INDOT project?
Unlike traditional INDOT projects, which focus on designing and building a specific improvement, a PEL study occurs much earlier in the process. The PEL study does not advance a specific project to construction but instead identifies needs, goals, and potential solutions that could be considered in the future. This early planning approach allows for broader public involvement and helps inform later project development.
Study Area and Corridor Organization
Where is the study taking place?
ProPEL S.R. 2 covers approximately 13 miles of State Road 2 in northern Indiana. The study corridor extends from U.S. 20 in La Porte County to U.S. 20/31 in St. Joseph County.
What the Study Will Evaluate
What issues and needs will the study examine?
The study will evaluate a broad range of transportation and community-related topics to understand how the corridor functions today and how it may need to change in the future. This includes reviewing crash data and safety trends, analyzing existing and future traffic conditions, identifying environmental constraints, and considering community transportation goals and future growth.
How will safety be evaluated along S.R. 2?
The study will evaluate a broad range of transportation and community-related topics to understand how the corridor functions today and how it may need to change in the future. This includes reviewing crash data and safety trends, analyzing existing and future traffic conditions, identifying environmental constraints, and considering community transportation goals and future growth.
Potential Improvements and Outcomes
What kinds of improvements could be considered?
Several alternatives will be developed for each area of the corridor. These alternatives may include a wide range of improvement concepts intended to address identified safety, mobility, and infrastructure needs. The purpose of the study is to explore possibilities rather than select a single design or solution.
How are alternatives evaluated?
Alternatives are evaluated using engineering analysis, environmental considerations, and feedback from the public and stakeholders. Throughout the study, some alternatives may be refined, eliminated, or carried forward based on how well they meet transportation needs and align with community goals.
Does this study mean construction is planned?
No. ProPEL S.R. 2 is a planning effort only and does not commit INDOT to construction. Any potential improvement identified through the study would require additional study, funding, and a separate project development process before construction could occur.
Public Involvement
How can the public participate in the study?
Public participation is an essential part of the ProPEL process. INDOT is asking residents, businesses, and corridor users to share input throughout the study to help identify concerns, priorities, and opportunities along the State Road 2 corridor. Public feedback helps provide context to technical data and informs the development of alternatives.
When will public meetings take place?
The first public meeting was held on June 16 at New Prairie High School and gave community members an opportunity to learn about the study, ask questions, and share input during the early phases of ProPEL S.R. 2.
Additional public meetings will be held at key milestones throughout the study. INDOT also offers community office hours at various points in the process, providing more informal opportunities for discussion and feedback.
Information about future meetings and office hours will be shared as they are scheduled. Visit the Events page for upcoming public meetings and community office hours.
How will the public be notified about meetings and updates?
Public meetings and study updates will be announced through local newspapers, the study website, propelsr2.com, and INDOT district social media channels on Facebook and X to ensure broad awareness and opportunities for engagement. The project website will include the ability to subscribe for study updates via email and text.
Schedule and Next Steps
What is the timeline for ProPEL S.R. 2?
The ProPEL S.R. 2 Study is expected to take approximately two years to allow time for data collection, technical analysis, and meaningful public involvement. The study is beginning in spring 2026 with the visioning phase. A draft purpose and need is expected in fall 2026, with preliminary alternatives developed in spring 2027. The alternatives screening report is anticipated in fall 2027, and the final PEL Study Report is expected in early 2028.
Why should I get involved if improvements may be years away?
Providing input early in the planning process helps shape long-term decisions before specific projects are identified and funded. Community involvement now ensures that local priorities and concerns are considered as INDOT plans for the future of the State Road 2 corridor.