Dubois County Road Openings, Closures Highlight Highway Update

Bridge reopenings headlined the latest update from Dubois County Highway officials. 

In his recent public remarks, County Highway Engineer Levi Leffert provided some good news for the traveling public as he announced that several roads will be reopening. Bridge 78 on County Road 600 West is nearing completion and is expected to be open by the end of this week. Bridges 107 and 240, located on St. Anthony Road, should be open within the week. CNR construction will be laying asphalt to create a smooth transition to the bridges, and will also pave a portion of St. Anthony Road North. The remaining portion of the roadway will be paved at a later date. 

The next item on the bridge crew’s agenda is a rehabilitation project for Bridge 36, located on Celestine Road North, just south of State Road 545. The closure will last 5 to 6 weeks, beginning on or after June 3. The new reinforced concrete deck with steel beams will increase the structural capacity of the 60-year old bridge and provide a safe crossing for travelers. 

Leffert also provided an update on the Crossvine Solar project. Roads in and around the project will be reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph throughout the duration of construction. Signs will be posted next week. Signs will also be placed at the intersection of 750 South and 500 West. 
 
There is limited visibility reported for westbound traffic on 750 South approaching 500 West, where there is increased traffic from trucks with the Crossvine construction. A sign indicating trucks entering and leaving the highway will also be installed by AES at the intersection to alert westbound motorists. 

There will be a full closure for a portion of County Road 500 West between 750 South and 900 South for approximately 2 weeks for work that was previously approved for a partial closure. Leffert explained that the hotly debated request by AES for the Crossvine Solar Project was recommended, not for the convenience of the company, but for the safety of residents. The detour will utilize US 231, which is now open to 2 lanes of traffic. Access will be maintained for emergency response vehicles, at least one point of access will be maintained for property owners, and school bus routes will not be impacted. 

In response to some negative public feedback about the closure, Leffert said that he has not approved any of the permits for the project, which were approved 2 years ago. He emphasized that he is giving his strongest effort for the county’s traveling public, “as best as I can with the cards I’ve been dealt.” 

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


 - By Drew Hasselbring