By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
One major disruption in Decatur is due to start soon, followed by another one this summer – with Mayor Dan Rickord vowing to keep affected residents abreast of what’s ahead with the second one.
The first, a rehabilitation project on the Wendell Macklin Bridge on Monroe St./US 224 in downtown Decatur could begin as soon as next Monday.
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) heads the project which may close the bridge for up to four months, until the end of August, according to INDOT officials.
On Wednesday, an INDOT official in the Fort Wayne office told WZBD.com: “…the start day is still on or after April 27 (Monday). Things are still on track for that start date.”
The project involves a bridge deck overlay, a protective layer applied to repair damage and extend the bridge’s life.
The work will significantly increase traffic on the Jackson St. bridge a block north of the Macklin bridge and have major implications for Bellmont schools traffic.
May 22 is the final day for students this school year and if the project extends well into August, the school traffic problems could return.
City officials are looking ahead to the possibility.
“We are trying to find answers,” Mayor Dan Rickord said at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
Brooks Construction of Fort Wayne is the contractor for the project.
PROJECT NO. 2: A major, $21 million construction project is expected to begin this summer.
The project, approved by Decatur City Council and the board of works last September, will remove all lead service lines throughout the city and replace numerous aging water mains.
Projects of this type are mandated by the federal government to target lead service lines across the nation.
Bids for the project are scheduled to be opened in May, with work likely to start in July or August.
Numerous street closures and even some detours are expected as a total of 323 lead service lines and several water mains are targeted.
“We will definitely be communicating with those people affected,” the mayor said at the most recent council meeting.
Some public meetings will be held, he added.
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