JASPER - Citing projected traffic problems and current high injury rates as rationale for improvements, the Indiana Department of Transportation of Tuesday conducted a public hearing regarding proposed upgrades to U.S. 231.

But for private citizens who offered public opinions on the proposed project, that rationale wasn't enough.

"If you ate lunch, did you have pavement, concrete?" asked Maurice Hopf, whose 800 acres would be divided into halves by any of the five alternative routes presented.

His point - irreplaceable farm ground being paved if a bypass is built - was not lost on the 100 or so citizens who attended the session, held in the Jasper High School cafeteria.

The hearing was the state's first step toward developing a draft environmental impact statement, which would involve the selection of preferred routes for the proposed roadway. The object of the hearing, besides offering the state's opinion on the reasons improvements are needed, was to solicit public input.

Nine individuals took turns at the microphone, and none of them gave the proposal unconditional endorsements. On the contrary, seven said the project wasn't needed unless existing roadways - including county-controlled thoroughfares - could be used.

Widening U.S. 231 in its current location through Huntingburg and Jasper, however, failed to pass muster in the state's initial screening.

Another alternative listed was called "no build." The highway would receive maintenance and spot improvements.

"There are always people for and against what you do," said project manager Chris Baynes after the meeting. "It's a challenge. INDOT has to balance those concerns and pick the best one."

Tuesday's hearing was a quiet affair, with each of the speakers receiving applause. Those who did not speak had the opportunity to submit in writing their opinions and ideas. The state will continue to accept written input until July 20.

U.S. 231 dissects Dubois and Spencer counties on a north-south axis and is the major roadway connecting the major population centers of the two counties.