Indiana Lawmakers Propose New Review for Major Highway Projects

The proposed legislation would require INDOT to present projects over $250 million to the State Budget Committee.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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State lawmakers in Indiana are considering a new requirement that would give the Legislature a formal review of major highway projects. The provision, added to Senate Bill 27, would require the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to present any project with a price tag of at least $250 million to the State Budget Committee. Supporters say the move is about oversight as the state balances new construction with maintenance of existing roads.

Why it matters

The proposal comes as planning continues for the Mid-States Corridor, a $3 billion, 54-mile route that would link Interstates 64 and 69. Lawmakers want to understand how large projects would affect funding for other road work, and the new review process could impact the timeline and approval of major infrastructure initiatives.

The details

Under the proposed legislation, INDOT would be required to present major highway projects to the State Budget Committee for review. This would apply to any project with an estimated cost of at least $250 million. Supporters say the goal is to provide legislative oversight and ensure the state balances new construction with maintenance of existing roads. The Mid-States Corridor project, currently in the environmental review stage, has an estimated price tag of over $3 billion and would connect Interstates 64 and 69.

  • The Indiana Capital Chronicle reported on the proposed legislation in February 2026.
  • INDOT is currently conducting an environmental review of the Mid-States Corridor project.
  • A previously expected request for proposals on the Mid-States Corridor has been delayed while INDOT completes an internal timeline.

The players

Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)

The state agency responsible for planning, building, and maintaining Indiana's transportation infrastructure.

Indiana State Legislature

The legislative branch of the government of the state of Indiana, which is considering the proposed legislation to require INDOT to present major highway projects to the State Budget Committee.

Mid-States Corridor

A proposed $3 billion, 54-mile transportation route that would link Interstates 64 and 69 in Indiana, largely following the current U.S. 231 with bypasses planned for several cities.

State Budget Committee

A legislative committee in Indiana that would be tasked with reviewing major INDOT highway projects under the proposed legislation.

Jim Pressel

The chair of the Indiana House Roads and Transportation Committee.

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What they’re saying

“Lawmakers want to understand how large projects would affect funding for other road work.”

— Jim Pressel, Chair, Indiana House Roads and Transportation Committee (Indiana Capital Chronicle)

“Projects of that size should receive legislative review and expect most would still move forward.”

— Jeff Thompson, Member, Indiana State Budget Committee (Indiana Capital Chronicle)

What’s next

The proposed legislation is currently under consideration by the Indiana State Legislature. If passed, it would require INDOT to present any highway project with a cost of at least $250 million to the State Budget Committee for review.

The takeaway

This proposal highlights the ongoing debate over balancing new transportation infrastructure investments with maintenance of existing roads. The new legislative review process could impact the timeline and approval of major projects like the Mid-States Corridor, as lawmakers seek greater oversight over how these large-scale initiatives are funded and prioritized.