The Indiana 14/Illinois Road project has drawn its fair share of criticism, but motorists should know that improvements are on the way.
Q. I have a question regarding the recent improvements to the intersection of Hadley and Illinois roads. While this intersection has been given a well-needed facelift, I am curious to know why there is little or no streetlighting. Driving west on Illinois Road past I-69 feels like you’re driving into the great abyss. – Carol
A. Good news, Carol, your way will soon be lit.
Toni Mayo, spokeswoman for the Indiana Department of Transportation, said the state plans to add 10 streetlights between Hadley and Interstate 69. There will be five on each side of the road.
Mayo said the foundations for the lights have already been poured, and the lights should be erected and working by the spring.
Signs coming
INDOT’s Mayo said the state has received several complaints about problems with signs along Indiana 14. Because of that, the state’s contractors will begin installing permanent signs next week if the weather isn’t too harsh. This includes overhead signs directing drivers which lanes to use.
The work is being moved ahead of its July schedule because of concerns from drivers.
And while I’m on the topic of the Illinois Road project, here’s a quick construction update.
The $14.2 million expansion from Interstate 69 to Scott Road is still scheduled for completion in early August. This spring, workers will construct the westbound lanes of the road from Abbey Place to Gold Spur, which includes the problematic peat area.
After installation of storm sewers, construction of the curbs, gutters and sidewalks, the final road work will begin. Striping, signals, remaining signs and sod work will happen after the final layer of asphalt has been applied. Hadley Road will also get a final coat of asphalt to smoothen it.
Bridge update
Plans for Clinton Street’s new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge over the St. Marys River are nearly complete and have been sent to the state for review. Dave Ross, city engineer, said the multimillion-dollar project should be put to bid in May.
The city parks board this week approved a plan to use some park land to gain access to the work site, though no land will be permanently required. He said a formal presentation of the bridge’s final design will be made in early spring.
Radio Sage
This week’s bonus audio question comes from Jim Eagle, who asks about work on Amstutz Road in northern Allen County. The segment originally aired Friday afternoon on WOWO and can be found online at www.journalgazette.net/roadsage.
