Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
With a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday evening, the city of Warsaw officially reopened all of Husky Trail.
The seven-month road project began April 3. It was funded with Federal Highway funds through Indiana Department of Transportation.
In addition to the improved driving surface, improvements included new underground storm infrastructure, a roundabout at Mariners Drive, dedicated turn lanes at various intersections, sidewalks on both sides of the street, decorative lighting, and other general Americans with Disabilities Act and pedestrian safety improvements.
The Husky Trail project was divided into two parts. Phase I started April 3 and included construction of a roundabout on Husky Trail and extended from Martin’s Super Market to north of the North Pointe movie theater. It was completed in August. Phase II completed extended construction to a point just north of Canterbury House Apartments.
“We understand that this project caused many frustrations and inconveniences for residents, and we are most appreciative of their patience during construction,” said Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer in a news release. “The most efficient way to complete the project was through the two phases of closures. ... We hope that residents find the new road easier and safer to navigate, both by vehicle and on foot.”
After Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, Thallemer thanked all the merchants, residents, the school, parents and drivers for their patience. He said it took five years of planning and about seven months of construction, but everyone did their part. He then thanked city staff, the engineers and everyone else for their hard work on the project.
“We think they’ll be pleased with the results,” he said, adding that everyone knew how important the project is. He stated that as with any road project, safety is the No. 1 priority.
At the Warsaw Traffic Commission meeting Wednesday, City Planner Jeremy Skinner gave a brief update on the Husky Trail project.
In the next couple of weeks, Skinner said there will be a walk-through of Husky Trail. “Any little changes or anything that needs to be fixed, we may have some temporary lane closures to fix that, including some striping that needs to be fixed,” he said.
Residents are encouraged to use caution while navigating the new roadway as everyone gets used to the changes.
When driving through the roundabout, the release suggests, always slow down and yield before entering, and use a turn signal. Only stop at the roundabout to yield to vehicles in the roundabout or to yield to pedestrians at the roundabout crosswalks.
A few finishing touches will be completed in the coming weeks. There may be minor, temporary disruptions in traffic while those items are completed.
