As the weather begins to warm, road crews will start their annual task of improving the commutes for drivers everywhere.
Q. Homestead Road between U.S. 24 and Ernst Road was repaved just a few years ago. The pavement is sinking in a number of areas in the southbound lane as the earth below the road base is washing out. How do I bring this to the attention of the appropriate individuals? – Chris
A. Raising the concern here is a good start, Chris.
Bill Hartman, the Allen County highway director, recently examined the area in question. He said there are some dips in the pavement but doesn’t believe it is an emergency ready to happen.
This spring, the county will armor those eroded areas with rip-rap, a mixture of stones, to protect the banks along the road. This should also help prevent further erosion.
Q. You mentioned that South Anthony Boulevard south of Paulding Road was one of roads in the worst condition in the city. Since that time, nothing has been done except some patching. Is the city planning on doing any permanent repairs? – Paul Gerken
A. Paul, no complete rehabilitation is in the works, but that doesn’t mean the city will ignore the road.
Shan Gunawardena, Fort Wayne city traffic engineer, said the street department will be investigating some temporary repairs on South Anthony south of Paulding. I’ll keep you updated.
Lima progresses
The state will begin switching travel lanes on Lima Road next week as work restarts on the massive widening project.
Crews will begin shifting all traffic to the current southbound side of Lima Road beginning Wednesday between Ludwig and Wallen roads. Weather could delay the work and already did this past week.
This will include newly painted lines to direct drivers to the new temporary lanes. The shift should be completed by Friday. After traffic is switched, crews will begin milling asphalt, removing concrete and dirt in preparation of new pavement. This could hinder access to side streets and businesses for a short time.
The $23.6 million project will expand Lima Road from just south of Ludwig Road to just north of Dupont Road. The center median will be raised; curbs and gutters will be added and other drainage work done; and an 8-foot-wide trail will be built on both sides.
The road handles between 30,000 and 44,000 vehicles a day. The project is expected to be done by the end of the year.
Radio Sage
This week’s bonus audio question comes from John Sandor of Fort Wayne who asks about Lima Road heading toward Coliseum Boulevard. The segment originally aired Friday afternoon on WOWO and can be found online at www.journalgazette.net/roadsage.
