The Starke County Commissioners received a promising update regarding Bridge 156 over the Robbins Ditch on Range Road on Monday. Surveys are expected to be done soon, Debco has provided the loads on the trusses, and everything is expected to be back in operating order in time for our local farmers to use the road during their busy harvest season.
“Ken Minett from Butler, Fairman and Seufert gave them an update and told them what they’re waiting on and what’s happening next. Don’t want to say a projected date, but they kinda indicated when construction would start on that,” said Highway Superintendent Steve Siddall.
Siddall and Minett met with the Commissioners and told them that after the survey process is complete, they will request the permit from the DNR. The permitting process could take up to 30 days, after which they expect the specifications to be made after further planning. On the bright side, even with the delay of permitting, the bridge is still expected to be constructed 18 months sooner than it would have been if the commissioners had chosen the federally funded plan.
Bridge #9 over the Jane Ditch (700 N and 500 E) in Oregon Township and Bridge #62 over the Smith Ditch (Range Rd. and 500 S) in California Township are not expected to begin construction until next year. Complications are possible for Bridge #62, as an additional wetland permit may be required, and it may also be necessary to “move” the wetland and create additional wetland elsewhere.
