The City of Columbus and Indiana Department of Transportation have announced that beginning Friday June 26, eastbound traffic on State Road 46 began using the new route and the new overpass over the Louisville and Indiana Railroad. Also on that date, State Road 11 re-opened for traffic and all lanes on the 3rd Street Bridge re-opened.
State Road 11 was closed on June 1, while crews reconstructed and reconfigured the roadway. Portions of the 3rdStreet Bridge were closed June 1 for resurfacing and also have been re-opened.
This traffic change marks a major target date in the construction. The construction sequence now moves into the next phase of the project. Traffic patterns are changing and will continue to change for the remainder of the construction time.
Mayor Jim Lienhoop: “This is an exciting day as we move into the next phase of the construction of this project. I’m proud of the partnership the City has with INDOT, Bar. County, Cummins, L&I Railroad which has allowed us to move quickly on such an important project for our community. A special thanks to the employees of Milestone Contractors who have impressed us all with their ability to work through changing weather conditions and even the pandemic to be ahead of schedule.”
City Engineer David Hayward: “It has been a pleasure to work with a team of professionals who have cooperatively planned and implemented this major project. That team included Milestone, INDOT, utilities, property owners and businesses, subcontractors, and the railroad. The public has also been very patient and cooperative. Thanks to everyone involved in any way.”
Construction work will continue through the remainder of 2020. In 2021, the project area will be landscaped to match the previously planted areas along the south side of State Road 46.
Throughout the remaining work, motorists should obey speed limits and traffic controls and watch for upcoming traffic pattern changes.
