By HOLLY GASKILL
Wells County Commissioners approved a detour for State Road 1 south of Bluffton.
The Indiana Department of Transportation will replace a small structure and small structure pipe liner in Craven Ditch, 3.5 miles north of S.R. 218, and Pope Joy Ditch, 2.18 miles north of S.R. 218. INDOT indicated work could begin as early as spring 2025, but did not provide a timeline.
The detour will divert traffic from S.R. 1 to Spring Street, then Clark Avenue, County Road 200 East, and 450 South. This route was also approved by Highway Supervisor Shawn Bonar, who was not present Monday.
Bonar provided a written department update to the commissioners, including the upcoming reconstruction of Bridge 170 on CR 900S west of Adams County. In two weeks, the stretch of road between 700E and 800E will be closed for 90 days.
Additionally, Bonar said he is still working out issues with the HVAC system in the office portion of the new highway garage building. The department is also continuing to look for a generator. Commissioner Jeff Stringer said the county may use part of the remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds, however, several departments have made requests for the remaining approximately $131,000.
Bonar also stated that dust control sign-ups will be open through May 1. The cost is $2.02 per foot.
holly@news-banner.com
