Two Warsaw intersections are scheduled to be improved in the spring to allow for semi truck traffic to maneuver better.
The improvements will include creating larger turning lanes at the intersections of Ind. 15S and Ind. 25, and at Winona Avenue and Detroit Street, according to John Leckie, INDOT Fort Wayne district production director.Both intersections will receive traffic signal modifications and new crosswalk markings at the intersections to improve traffic flow. New curbs will be installed. Utilities affected by the project will be relocated.
The bid letting for the project is expected to take place in March, and the project should be finished in fall 2008.
Leckie said a contractor has not been selected for the project, but INDOT will have staff on site to ensure the construction is in compliance with the proposed design plans.
Leckie said once the project is completed, a traffic analysis will be conducted to adjust timing coordination for the Ind. 15S corridor.
A preliminary site investigation was completed to determine the need for the intersection improvements. The investigation was completed by INDOT's Office of Roadway Safety and Mobility. An analysis and scoping report were then completed by the feasibility engineering group within INDOT's Office of Urban and Corridor Planning.
The study determined intersection improvements would be required to implement desired improvements to the mobility and safety of the intersections and corridor.
"In order to improve mobility through the two intersections, the corresponding turning radii are in need of improvements to accommodate current standards for turning movements, specifically truck movements," Leckie said.
A local detour for Winona Avenue will be routed on to Prairie and Detroit Streets during construction to relieve traffic delays.
Two lanes of traffic on Buffalo, Winona and Detroit streets will remain open throughout the project.
Leckie said trucks will continue to use the state route during construction. Trucks likely will be prohibited from using the local detour route in order to prevent potential pavement damage and not create too much congestion on the local road detour.
Warsaw Certified Public Accounting business Ramsey & Wiggins Inc., 102 E. Winona Ave., will be torn down to allow for the 90-degree turn to be installed at the intersection of East Winona Avenue and Buffalo Street.
Warsaw Mayor and certified public accountant Ernie Wiggins said he and business partner Burt Ramsey were notified a year ago by INDOT about the request to tear down the business.
Leckie said it is necessary for the business to be torn down to allow for a sidewalk and curb to be installed in the business's current location after the street's radii is expanded to accommodate truck traffic.
Wiggins and Ramsey acquired the building in 1980.
"The project will allow truck traffic to turn more efficiently that haven't had enough room in the past," Wiggins said.
He said it has been a problem for truck traffic to turn with the closeness of the intersection of Winona Avenue and Buffalo Street to the accounting business.
The business will move to 1043 E. Winona Ave., east of Pizza King. The building was formerly occupied by First Charter Insurance.
Wiggins said the business needs to be moved out by mid-December and they will begin moving into their new facility this month and in November.
