A massive interchange project in northern Allen County is set to begin shortly, so area travelers should plan accordingly.
Q. I and many of my neighbors attended a public hearing on the construction of a new interchange at Interstate 69 and Union Chapel Road. As we move into winter, there does not appear to be any work performed on this project. What is the current status? – Allan Penar, Fort Wayne
A. You won’t have to wait too much longer to see some progress, Allan.
The preliminary work has moved along fairly well, allowing the state to seek bids this month. Previously, the state was planning on selecting a contractor in January.
Toni Mayo, spokeswoman for the Indiana Department of Transportation, said work should begin in early 2012.
Construction will start with removal of buildings and utility relocations.
Although she said there will be some detours or delays because of the project, those have not yet been determined. I was promised updates as it progresses and will share them with you.
Parkview Health will pay the state $10 million to help cover the cost of the $24 million interchange on Interstate 69 at Union Chapel Road. Although the interchange will not be open in time for Parkview’s northern-campus grand opening next year, it will be under construction.
After the Union Chapel interchange work is complete, the state will begin an overhaul of the Dupont Road interchange onto I-69.
Shopping assistance
Jefferson Pointe shoppers will go another holiday shopping season without traffic signals on Apple Glen Boulevard, but that doesn’t mean they won’t get any help.
Over the years, numerous readers have asked for signals on Apple Glen to help the crush of traffic during peak shopping days. I know personally how patience-testing getting out of there sometimes can be.
A spokeswoman for the outdoor mall said there are no plans to install the signals this year, obviously, but there were some changes made to help traffic flow. Specifically, she said the city agreed to extend the green signals on Apple Glen at Illinois Road and Jefferson Boulevard. This should help traffic get out of the parking area faster.
Traffic signals were first promised in September 2004, and the city previously committed $125,000 to help pay for them. City officials previously said the project will likely extend beyond just adding signals, to converting the road into a public street. This would include pedestrian upgrades, but there appears to be little action on the project at this time.
Radio sage
This week’s audio question comes from S.N.D., who asks about the intersection of Mallard Cove and Jefferson Boulevard. The segment originally aired Friday afternoon on WOWO and can be found online at www.journalgazette.net/roadsage.
