The small town of Delphi, Indiana has been subject to many changes in the past two years. The biggest of these changes is the Hoosier Heartland highway. This stretch of highway is intended to extend from Lafayette, IN. to Toledo, OH, a distance of approximately 200 miles. Delphi gained another choice of route to Lafayette, which opened on Oct. 24, 2012.
Delphi residents have already noted both positive and negative effects of the new stretch of highway. Michelle Morehouse, lifelong resident, stated, “This new highway is much safer than the old route. There are two lanes each way now, so if someone wishes to drive slower because of ice or rain, they can do so safely. The old 25, especially three-lane-hill, was deteriorating and just not as safe as a busy road like that should be. Also, this new part of the highway has cut ten minutes off of my commute to work.”
On Oct. 18, 2013, another stretch of the Hoosier Heartland was opened to the public. This section of the highway now makes it possible to drive from Logansport to Lafayette without going through Delphi. This new section could have a large effect on the businesses of Delphi. Bob Lucas, Delphi student and manager of Arby’s, shed light on Arby’s view of the new highway. “We [Arby’s] had a lot more business when the highway was only completed to Lafayette. There is already a decline in business since it’s been open all the way.” After discussing further, Bob Lucas revealed, “Arby’s business is dead.” There is discussion of Arby’s moving closer to the new highway, but no official plans have been made.
Debbie McCreedy, employee of the local grocery store Wallman’s, expressed some of the store’s fears caused by the newly completed highway. “Before the highway, when people drove through town, business was always steady, especially on weekends. This part of the highway was just opened, so we haven’t noticed a change in profits, yet. However, we anticipate that this will cut into our business. We still have the locals’ business, which we are very grateful for, but no longer have other traffic, like from Purdue.”
The Purdue traffic she is referring to is the Saturday morning traffic when all the tailgaters pass through Delphi heading to the game. Gas stations, fast food restaurants, and many other businesses will be hurt in losing this traffic, as well as all Lafayette and Logansport business in general. Only time will tell whether this new highway will help or hinder the town of Delphi.
