Press Release from Indiana Department of Transportation
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announces
that Bypass Road at the intersection of SR 19/Nappanee Street in Elkhart is
scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, August 7, as part of the SR 19 road
construction project. With its newly constructed configuration, Bypass
Road now intersects SR 19 at a right angle, approximately 300 feet south of its
former location. The intersection straightens SR 19, and softens the turn
for northbound SR 19 traffic turning onto westbound Bypass Road, as well as for
eastbound Bypass Road traffic turning onto southbound SR 19. The new
configuration is expected to improve motorist and pedestrian safety and the
flow of traffic at this intersection.
The SR 19 reconstruction project
consists of complete pavement replacement to accommodate a 5-lane concrete
roadway with a bi-directional turn lane. This will match the portions of SR 19
north of Beardsley Avenue and south of Lusher Avenue. Franklin Street
will be relocated to intersect with SR 19 approximately 200 feet north of its
current location. The project will also include rehabilitation of the
bridge over the St. Joseph River; installation of sidewalks; curb and gutter;
ADA ramps; storm sewer system; new traffic signals; and pedestrian crosswalks
with pushbuttons at Franklin Street, Indiana Avenue, Lexington Avenue, and
Bypass Road. The final configuration for Rainbow Bend Boulevard will be a
cul-de-sac on the east side of SR 19.
The project is anticipated to be
complete in late summer 2014. Rieth-Riley Construction was awarded the
contract based on the low bid of $14 million.
INDOT reminds drivers to use caution and consider worker
safety when driving through a construction zone. For the latest news and
information about INDOT, visit www.in.gov/indot.
You can find traffic restriction information at www.trafficwise.IN.gov. Contact
the Fort Wayne District toll-free at 866-227-3555.
