New I-65 interchange opens in Ind.

CROWN POINT, Ind. -- Leaders of a northwestern Indiana city are hoping to attract more business development to the area with the completion of a new interchange on Interstate 65.

A ceremony on Thursday marked the opening of the ramps leading to and from Crown Point between U.S. 30 and U.S. 231.

The Post-Tribune reports Mayor David Uran told the crowd that the $8.2 million project would lead to new development opportunities for the central Lake County city. Officials have discussed the possibility of new retail stores, hotels and corporate buildings.

City Engineer Tris Miles told The Times that work on improvements for nearby streets to help handle expected added traffic are to start in the spring.