By HOLLY GASKILL
Work on Bridge 85, located on Hoosier Highway over Rock Creek, will begin Oct. 6.
Subsequently, a portion of Hoosier Highway just north of County Road 500S will be closed until mid-November. County Engineer Nate Rumschlag told the commissioners Monday that the contractors for the bridge rehabilitation, Pioneer Associates, contacted last week and moved up the project from the spring. This, however, may cause issues for some farming and school bus routes.
“It’s 30 days, right when I know they’re not going to like it very much,” Rumschlag said. “So it’s unfortunate, but it fits in their schedule to try to knock it out by the end of the year.”
The road is expected to re-open by Nov. 14.
Also during the meeting, the commissioners approved an updated five-year ADA Transition Plan, which outlines projects to increase accessibility throughout the county. Rumschlag hopes to address sidewalks and ramps in Liberty Center, starting at the gas station between CR 300W and 300S and working clockwise around the area. However, these projects are subject to change depending on community needs and funds.
Other updates were:
• Rumschlag discovered a damaged cross pipe on CR 450E between 1100N and 1200N last month, which was then repaired by Brooks Construction.
• The Highway Department finished paving on CR 700N.
• As of Monday, Sheriff Scott Holliday reported the Wells County Jail housed 62 inmates — 25 of which were pre-trial holds for the Wells County Circuit Court, 11 pre-trial Superior Court holds, 15 from the Department of Correction, and five Level 6 felons.
holly@news-banner.com
