Two road construction projects in the Kankakee Valley will hamper travel for a few days.
According to INDOT Northwest Media Relations Coordinator Matt Deitchley, U.S. 35 between Knox and Winamac will be closed for 10 to 20 days for a pipe replacement. Deitchley said the closure should begin at State Road 10 and go south. The project is expected to begin on Monday, April 14.
INDOT Media Relations Director Matt Deitchley said the department is getting continuous shipments of salt as needed. Crews use various other chemical de-icers, depending on the situation. He indicated that the state is in good shape in terms of supply to effectively eradicate the roads of snow and ice.
INDOT Spokesman Matt Deitchley told WKVI that snow plow drivers have been in full call out mode since Monday night. This means that 170+ snow plow routes have been fully staffed in order to keep roads safe for motorists.
Crews are working 12-or-more hours on alternating shifts so drivers are out 24 hours a day. They have been working these shifts for six straight days. Dozens of other employees are working around the clock in order to dispatch drivers and maintain the equipment. Continue reading
Indiana Department of Transportation spokesman Matt Deitchley notified WKVI Tuesday that the bridge was open to traffic. The last part of the project which included finishing the final surface of the roadway, lane striping and median work was completed in the past few days.
Indiana Department of Transportation spokesman Matt Deitchley stated that it could be next week before the bridge is open to traffic. The final surface of the roadway, lane striping and median work is left. If the weather cooperates, the opening could occur a little sooner than anticipated.
The weather was the reason why the project was pushed back from its original completion date in November.
Deitchley will notify WKVI when the crews are nearing the time when the bridge will be open. The bridge has been closed since June.
INDOT Spokesman Matt Deitchley says one bridge opening has been delayed while the other will be opening at the end of the month.
The bridge beams were recently set and the deck has been poured. The rain this week has not set back the project as workers are able to do other aspects of the project during inclement weather.
Indiana Department of Transportation spokesman Matt Deitchley noted that the crossings are south of U.S. 6. Both crossings are in need of repairs and will close at the same time to minimize future traffic disruptions.
Southbound travelers on State Road 39 will be rerouted west on U.S. 6, south on U.S. 421, east on U.S. 30 and back to State Road 39. Northbound traffic will be detoured west on U.S. 30, north on U.S. 421, east on U.S. 6 and back to State Road 39.
Governor Michael Pence has proclaimed April 15-19 as Work Zone Awareness Week in Indiana, marking the ceremonial start to highway construction season with the intent to bring awareness to motorist and worker safety in work zones.
This year, INDOT will invest more than $1 billion in new highway construction projects to enhance health and safety, mobility, and economic growth in the state to maximum both the safety and mobility of motorists and workers, all while maintaining as much access as possible to businesses, residences and emergency services.
There were a few snow plows seen on the area highways this week. Officials at the Indiana Department of Transportation have confirmed that they are prepping for the winter season.
Matt Deitchley from INDOT said that the workers at the Winamac sub-district have been doing inspections and training this week. They are making sure all of the snow plow drivers and equipment are ready for the new season. Road salt deliveries will be made in the next few days all across the district.
Travelers on U.S. 30 may encounter a number of bumps in the road – literally. These bumps seem to develop on highways in extreme heat, and the Indiana Department of Transportation has announced that they will be sending out crews to level out those highway humps.
INDOT Media Relations Director Matt Deitchley said that a repair schedule has been worked out, and they expect work to begin on U.S. 31 and U.S. 30 very soon.
