Roadwork Season Begins in Dubois County

As winter temperatures give way to spring weather, Dubois County roadways are receiving some much-needed attention. 

This week, County Highway Engineer Levi Leffert provided an update on some current and upcoming projects. The 2026 Roadway Treatment Plan has been confirmed. The county’s master plan for the year includes scheduled asphalt overlays, Rejuvtec applications, chip seal patching, gravel with chip seal conversions, and chip seal overlays. The department will be utilizing rubberized crack sealant this year in addition to current treatments. Overall, the Highway Department will be treating approximately 72.55 miles of roadway. 

In his public comments, Leffert also gave an update on a stalled project that could be addressed again at a later time. In 2023, Dubois County entered into an interlocal agreement with the City of Jasper for the 15 th Street Bridge, which was planned as new construction to serve as an extension of 15 th Street. As the City of Jasper has deprioritized that project, the County opted to release those pledged funds by ending the agreement. If the city decides to pursue the construction in the future, the funding would be authorized for whatever portion of the project would be the county’s responsibility. 

On Thursday, April 9, there will be a full closure of Bridge 78 located on County Road 600 West and Division Road over the Patoka River to complete planned rehabilitation work. The extensive repairs could extend the closure up to 60 days. Every effort will be made to open the road as soon as possible. Leffert noted that the contractor has been made aware that this is used as a main road, and that any extension of the closure would be a burden on the public. Barricades and signs will be in place, but there is no official detour. 

Construction projects for Bridges 107 and 240 will begin in early May. A 2-week closure notice will be given to the public. Both roads will be closed simultaneously for the expected 4-5 week span. Rehabilitation work on Bridge 119 at Club Road is ahead of schedule, with a possible reopening in the next 3 weeks. 
 
For more information, visit the Highway Department webpage at www.duboiscountyin.org 

 - By Drew Hasselbring