By John Estridge
The Indiana Department of Transportation has announced planned highway and bridge structure improvements planned for state highways in Union County through 2024.
First on the improvement list is Indiana 101 bridge over Hannah’s Creek just south of Roseburg. The project is listed actually as two projects but it is the same place and same time. First on the list is a bridge deck overlay. Also, the other action is called a Partial 3-R. According to an INDOT document concerning contract standards, a 3-R is resurfacing, restoration, and/or rehabilitation. Both projects are scheduled for January 13, 2021.
Second on the list is also a two-part project set to begin on July 14, 2021. It is a lane realignment at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Ind. 44, which is the intersection of Union and Main streets in Liberty. It is using Signal Visibility Funds. Another part listed as a separate project is for a Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) in Liberty on U.S. 27 from 0.31 miles south of Ind. 44 south junction (southeast city limits of Liberty) to 0.33 miles north of Ind. 44 north junction.
Next is bridge deck replacement over the Whitewater River east fork on Ind. 44. It is set to begin on Sept. 15, 2021.
Fourth is another two-part project. The start date for this project is Nov. 16, 2022. It is scour protection for erosion. It will take place on U.S. 27 North, over Richland Creek at two different but close-in-proximity points. The first is 4.38 miles north of U.S. 27’s intersection with Ind. 44 and the next is 4.7 miles north of the same starting point.
Fifth is located on Ind. 101, 5.037 miles north of the county line with Franklin County. It is a small-structure replacement, and it is scheduled for July 12, 2023.
Scheduled to start on the same day is another small-structure replacement on Ind. 44, 0.43 miles east and south of its junction with U.S. 27.
The final one is the exception to the rule. It is not on the state highway but is an effort from the Union County Commissioners using a federal grant administered through INDOT. The grant will pay for 80 percent of the costs, while the county will supply 20 percent of the funding.
It is Bridge No. 45 on Stone Road over Indian Creek. It is a bridge replacement. It is scheduled to start Dec. 11, 2024.
INDOT promises to send information about the state of the U.S. 27 repaving project between Richmond and Liberty.