Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the county commissioners Monday night that the county is getting closer to being able to apply brine to roads to help clear them of snow and ice.
Starke County Highway Department Making Intersection Safety Improvements
For the past several months, the Starke County Highway Department workers have been installing reflective strips to the poles that hold traffic signs to enhance safety at all intersections in the county. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler said the safety devices have been installed first on highly traveled roads.
Starke County Highway Crews Work on Winter Projects
Starke County Highway Department Ready for More Snow
Crews at the Starke County Highway Department have been working on maintaining the snow plows and hauling more sand in between snow events this week.
Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler said some of the plows in the fleet underwent maintenance during this quiet time.
Motorists Beware! Current Weather Conditions Ideal for Pothole Formation
As the weather continues to fluctuate between warm and cold, it can unfortunately cause ideal conditions for pothole formation.
Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler explained why the damp, dynamic conditions can result in these unwanted road hazards.
Ritzler said, “Potholes generally form from water on the road and it gets into the cracks on the roadway and then as the water turns to ice and it expands and then contracts and that expansion and contraction over time, causes the structure of the pavement to deteriorate.” Continue reading
Starke County Council Considers Purchase for Traffic Counter
The Starke County Council members considered the the purchase of a radar counter for the Starke County Highway Department during their Monday night meeting.
Economic Development Foundation Director Charlie Weaver said the radar counter will be used to collect traffic data at a quicker speed for the proposed U.S. 30 freeway project.
Starke County Highway Department to Update Railroad Signs, Markings
Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler informed the county commissioners this week that he received a notice to proceed with the installation of new railroad signs and markings to assist with safety measures.
“I will be meeting with TCS to do that as they were awarded that contract,” explained Ritzler. “They’ll be doing the markings and we’ll be doing the signs. All of the crossings in the county will be upgraded. INDOT is paying 100 percent of that. The county doesn’t have to pay anything.”
Starke County Highway Department Ready for Winter Weather
The Starke County Highway Department crew is prepared for the winter season.
Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the county commissioners this week that everyone is set to go when the snow arrives.
Starke County Highway Department Continues Safety Measures
Starke County Highway Department crews are continuing efforts to make county roadways safer for drivers.
Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler said the installation of reflective post enhancers is ongoing.
“We’ve put the reflectors on the stop signs and they’ve worked very well,” said Ritzler. “We’re doing that throughout the county and we’re about a fifth of the way done. There is still a lot to go with that.” Continue reading
Starke County Highway Department Continues with Traffic Studies
The Starke County Highway Department is continuing an effort to conduct traffic studies in order to collect data for a proposed U.S. 30 freeway that will travel through northern Starke County.
A coalition is putting together suggestions to present to INDOT that would include benefits to Starke County in a U.S. 30 freeway proposal between Valparaiso and Fort Wayne. In that stretch, the only way to get across U.S. 30 would be with an overpass, and the only way to get on will be at an interchange. Continue reading
Starke County Economic Development Foundation Hosts U.S. 30 Upgrade Committee Meeting
The Starke County Economic Development Foundation hosted a meeting last night with various members of the Starke County community who would be impacted by the proposed U.S. 30 Freeway Project.
SCEDF Executive Director Charles Weaver began the meeting and introduced representatives from Appian , a consulting firm that is working with the foundation. President of the organization, Dennis Faulkenberg started by saying that though the project is still very far down the line, they wanted to hear some of the ideas that were circulating within the community.
Faulkenberg advised everyone present that it is imperative to collect data and come up with a concrete plan prior to approaching INDOT. He said that’s the best way to avoid being pressured into doing the most cost effective option at the expense of what is best for the community. Continue reading
Starke County Highway Department Improving Road Safety
The Starke County Highway Department is installing a safety precaution at some of the more dangerous intersections in the county.
Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler informed the county commissioners Monday night that reflective strips are being added to the poles that hold traffic signs. Stop signs have the added traffic control device to increase visibility and safety.
“You don’t really notice them that much during the day, but at night they really make a difference,” said Ritzler. “Material-wise it’s $25 an intersection. If we prevent one accident a year, it pays for all of the intersections to be done with these strips. An average accident costs $30,000 to $40,000. Over the next couple of years, we’ll do all of the intersections. We’re doing all of the main roads now and the intersections we know are dangerous.” Continue reading
Hamlet Council Addresses Concerns About Proposed Starke Street Sidewalk Extension
The Town of Hamlet plans to extend the Starke Street sidewalk, but not everyone likes the idea. In a letter to the town council, residents Fred and Charlene Jensen said the town should focus on fixing streets, and they feel the curbs and sidewalk would be a waste of money.
Timber Sale Planned for Starke County Forest
Starke County Commissioners Provide Support for Starke County Park Board Project
Starke County Park Board representative Carolla Heilstedt appeared before the Starke County Commissioners last week requesting support for the proposed Yellow River Access Site project.
The project involves the construction of an access site including a gravel lane and parking area, an EZ dock kayak launch and dock. The site would be constructed on North Range Road, northwest of Knox. According to Heilstedt, the parcel is owned by Starke County and deeded exclusively for river access.
Starke County Projects Ready for Community Crossings Application
Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler submitted projects to the commissioners for the county’s request for the state’s Community Crossings grant program.
The county is eligible for a 75/25 split for grant funding. Ritzler submitted five projects totaling just under $1.4 million. At a meeting hosted by INDOT addressing Community Crossing grant funds earlier this year, officials suggested that government entities include project plans in the $1.3 to $1.4 million range in order to capture that full $1 million.
Courthouse Elevator Discussion on Starke Commissioners Agenda
The Starke County Commissioners will consider additional updates to the courthouse when they meet this evening. Their agenda includes discussion of an ADA-compliant elevator, which would be paid for with a grant from the Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission. Continue reading
Starke County Highway Superintendent Elaborates on Road Funding
Starke County will be able to implement plans to pave 123 miles of local roads with asphalt over the next decade without raising taxes, according to Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler. He presented options to the county council Monday. They include using money from the Local Roads and Streets and County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT) funds to draw down a maximum three-to-one funding match from the state. Continue reading
Five Year Infrastructure Plan Includes Knox Industrial Park Improvements
Updates to the roads through the Knox Industrial Park are included in the Starke County Highway Department’s five-year infrastructure plan. Continue reading
Mowing Season Gets Underway for Starke County Highway Department
Mowing crews from the Starke County Highway Department are making their first pass of the year. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the county commissioners Monday six mowing tractors and two brush choppers are actively clearing rights of way. Continue reading
