U.S. 30 Bridge Work Is Long Overdue, INDOT Engineer Says
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
After years of patchwork, the U.S. 30 bridges over Ind. 15 and the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks are finally getting an overhaul.Built during the late 1960s, the bridges have never had extensive work done to them since they were built, said Jim Keefer, Indiana Department of Transportation Fort Wayne District construction engineer Friday morning. Keefer said they've just been patching the bridges during the past several years.
Beginning Monday, R.L. McCoy, Columbia City, will begin the project, which calls for the superstructures to be raised and the decks replaced of the U.S. 30 bridges over Ind. 15 and the railroad.
"The main thing we'll be doing is replacing the main decks themselves," said Keefer. "... They've outlived their service life."
He said the project has been in the works for the past five years, from the time it was determined the project was needed to the contracting for the project.
The substructure of the bridges is the support underneath the bridges. The superstructures is the bridge itself going over the top, Keefer said. He said the superstructures will be raised only about 5 inches more above the railroad, but should be nothing the public will notice.
During construction, traffic will be maintained on at least one lane in each direction for both U.S. 30 and Ind. 15. The interchange ramps for access between U.S. 30 and Ind. 15 also will remain open.
Keefer said drivers need to be vigilant and careful while driving through the construction. Traffic will be down to a single lane somewhat on Ind. 15 and at all times on U.S. 30. "Be careful," he said.
Scheduled date for completion is Nov. 2, weather permitting, Keefer said.
