Opening set for new West Lafayette bypass

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Motorists are just a few days away from being able to drive on the state’s new bypass around West Lafayette.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Friday to formally open the U.S. 231 bypass that was in the planning stages for years before work began in 2011.

The four-lane roadway cost $45 million and follows a 5.3-mile route around the south and west sides of the city. It is expected to divert some traffic that now follows state highway routes through the Purdue University campus.

West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis tells Journal & Courier he isn’t fazed by the opening ceremony being held on Friday the 13th.

Dennis says that day will represent one of the city’s luckiest days as the new highway will present many growth opportunities.