Summer Improvement Season Is Here for the Dubois County Highway Department

Road and bridge improvements are moving forward across Dubois County as Highway Department crews prepare for a busy season of maintenance and upgrades. Crews will begin chip and seal projects on county roadways during the first week of June. Once complete, work on overlays will begin. In total, the expected timeline is approximately two months. 

Residents are reminded that promotional signs, including political signs, can only be posted property where they have ownership. They cannot be placed in right of way zones, affixed to street signs or utility poles, or any other location that is not the property of the resident. These can damage equipment, can be safety hazards, and make it difficult for the county to maintain roadways. Signs placed in restricted areas can be removed by the Highway Department without notice to the owner of the sign. 

The Highway Department provided updates on several bridge projects. Bridge 78, located at County Road 600 West over the Patoka River, has been closed for over a month for a new deck overlay. The estimated reopening will be in the beginning of June, and the full closure will remain in place until construction has completed. Bridges 107 and 240 on St. Anthony Road North and West were closed for repairs on May 7, and their reopening is also planned for early June. 

In upcoming projects, Bridge 36 located off of Celestine Road North will be closing at the beginning around June 1 for repairs. The bridge is approximately 60 years old and upgrading will take about 5 weeks to complete. 

In his public statements, County Highway Engineer Levi Leffert said that Crossvine Solar has requested a change to a permit approved in 2023. They need to perform work in a right of way area on 500 West, but will need to use a portion of the roadway as a staging area so that they have enough room. That would require shutting down the county road from 7 am to 7 pm daily for 2 weeks. Leffert has expressed concerns over the impact to residents from the extended closure as well as safety concerns for the traveling public if work is performed without a closure. The request will be evaluated by officials before a response is issued. 

For more information, visit the Highway Department webpage at www.duboiscountyin.org 

 - By Drew Hasselbring