Dubois County Highway Projects Move Ahead Despite Summer Heat

The Dubois County Highway Department has been working through the exceptionally warm temperatures to complete as many roadway projects as possible ahead of the winter weather.
 
County Highway Superintendent Donnie Lueken said crews will begin work this week on a gravel to chip seal conversion on 900 East, south of SR 164. The work had previously been scheduled for next year. Some residents had expressed a desire to widen the turn radius for areas where state and county roads intersect in order to accommodate larger farming vehicles and semis. The size of the turning radius varies between roadways, and the right-of-way- sometimes overlaps between the state and county. While this means that the county cannot decide to widen some roads without state approval, the department will look into the requests. 

County Highway Engineer Levi Leffert gave an update on roadway projects. Paving on County Road 550 West, 600 North, Kessner Bridge Road, 150 North, 200 West, Cherry Street, and Gun Club Road has been completed. Paving will begin on 925 South and 950 South, with expected completion by the end of the week. Paving work on 450 North and the 19 th Street extension is expected to begin at the end of the month, with expected completion by the end of September. Club Road is expected to be paved sometime in October. 
 
An engineering study recommended that a four-way stop be installed at the intersection of 250 North and James Street in Ireland. Ordinance 26-18 was approved and the department will begin the installation of signs. 

Bridge crews completed repairs on a concrete drive-through at 1025 South and is beginning work on Bridge 183 on Schnellville Road. Repairs could take two weeks, but the road will remain open. After that, work will begin at Cuzco Norton Road. About 350 feet west of the railroad crossing, there is an existing flat-bottom pipe that needs replacement and a box culvert will be installed. Repairs are expected to take approximately one week and will result in a full road closure.  

For more information on these and other updates, visit duboiscountyin.org/government


- By Drew Hasselbring