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Road Sage

Road Sage was developed to answer reader questions about traffic, driving delimmas and construction conundrums. The column, published every Saturday in The Journal Gazette, is fueled by questions e-mailed from readers in Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio. When not serving as the JG's Road Sage, Benjamin Lanka covers the City Hall beat in Fort Wayne. He has been a JG reporter since 2004.

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Published: November 21, 2009 3:00 a.m.

Prep work has Lima congested

Benjamin Lanka
The Journal Gazette
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Play Audio: Road Sage for November 21, 2009   Download MP3
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Drivers probably have noticed some headaches already brewing on Lima Road.

The state last week closed the left lanes – for both north and southbound traffic – between Dupont and Carroll roads and between Wallen and Cook roads.

The lanes were closed so the median section could be excavated and asphalt could be laid to build the required crossover areas to be used next April when the expansion of Lima from Wallen to Dupont begins.

The lanes will be closed continuously so work can be completed by Thanksgiving.

Beginning Nov. 30, the northbound passing lane between Wallen and Cook roads will be closed to allow for the city’s water main work.

Drivers are also advised that as the city’s ongoing water main work continues south of Wallen, there might be minor crossover closures as needed. The intent is to have them closed for short periods, forcing drivers to go 500 to 800 feet more to the next place to turn. The entire water main project should be completed in two months.

The state said as the two projects converge – along with utility relocation work continuing along the shoulders – drivers should be cautious when using Lima. In other words, avoid it whenever possible.

More work plans

Last week I told readers about the new regional transportation plan, and this week people really interested in road planning can see what the state has in store through 2013. The Indiana Department of Transportation released its draft 2010-13 improvement plan. It includes projects across the state, such as the widening of Illinois Road from Hadley Road to Scott Road. The document, and a chance to comment, is available online at www.in.gov/indot by clicking on the improvement plan link.

Winter preparedness

With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us, the state last week took the time to remind drivers about the changing road conditions winter brings. Today ends “Winter Weather Preparedness Week,” but that doesn’t mean we should forget some of those tips offered. Many involve common sense.

For example, accelerate and brake slowly to give yourself more time to respond to the changing conditions. In general, just give yourself more time to travel, as rushing – especially in bad weather – can lead to problems. The state also recommends putting a survival kit in your car, including a blanket, rain gear, gloves, hats and other materials. For more tips, go to www.winterdrivingsafety.in.gov.

Radio Sage

The bonus audio question this week comes from Kelly Sickafoose of Fort Wayne who asks about the railroad interchange on Tillman Road near Interstate 469. The segment originally aired Friday on WOWO-AM 1190 and can be found online at www.journal.