Growth to be controlled on US 31

KOKOMO, Ind. (AP) - Officials are looking to control development that might follow the project upgrading parts of U.S. 31 between Indianapolis and South Bend.

Work is expected to be completed next year on a 13-miles bypass around Kokomo. That section with interchanges will avoid the highway's current stoplight-congested stretch through the city.

The Kokomo Tribune reports ( http://bit.ly/HBDW4A ) that U.S. 31 Coalition director Dennis Faulkenberg says plans are needed to keep more driveways and traffic lights from ending up on rural sections of U.S. 31 not being upgraded north and south of Kokomo.

Howard County officials are working on new zoning rules to phase in development along the new Kokomo bypass and prevent a mass exodus of businesses from the current U.S. 31 route.