Citizens hear about US 231 plans

A standing room only crowd turned out Thursday evening to Greencastle City Hall to hear about the upcoming US 231 project from officials with the City of Greencastle, Reith Riley and INDOT. 

The event included a presentation from INDOT's design consultant, RQAW, an architecture and engineering firm from Indianapolis. 

Daniel Kurtz, Senior Project Manager for RQAW, reminded residents that while phase one of the US 231 Project, along Bloomington Street, was complete, phase two will begin April 9 and last roughly until early November. 

Phase II will feature Westbound traffic on Washington Street from Bloomington Street to Jackson Street, beginning in April. During the summer, the work move further down Washington Street. 

Residents learned Washington Street will be closed for approximately 80 days during the construction. 

"Are you trying to put the final nail in us?" one business owner asked. 

A representative with Reith Riley stated pedestrians will be able to still get to businesses on Washington St. 

Greencastle Mayor Lynda Dunbar told those in attendance she understands their concerns, especially those of business owners.

"We know the impact this will have on local businesses. We are trying to partner with Mainstreet and the Chamber on a new website to let people know Greencastle is open for business. It will have construction updates, where to park, restaurants and business information and a weekly update from the mayor. We are working hard to let people know Greencastle will remain open for business," Dunbar said. 

Dunbar said she believed those in attendance got their questions answered and she felt the meeting went "great." 

In addition, there will be milling resurfacing taking place, as well as a closure at the railroad crossing on US 231 to put in new storm sewers and water lines, which will close that portion of the road for almost 40 days. 

Jared Stanek, resident project representative for American Structurepoint Inc., which is INDOT's construction oversight consultant, explained the reason for the 40 day closure at the railroad. 

"The railroad company says this is our right away and we have to work around. That is the reason for the timeline being almost 40 days. It will take place after Washington Street is completed," Stanek said. 

Construction will also take place from Washington Street to just past Shadowlawn Avenue. 

Residents also got word of the detour plans, as the state detour routes will be utilized for through traffic for US 231 will be: State Road 240, State Road 75, State Road 36, and US 40. Construction will take place Monday through Saturday from approximately 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Access to businesses, school, etc. will be maintained at all times and there will be pedestrian detours for sidewalk closures. Furthermore, temporary curb ramps will be used where keeping existing sidewalk open is not possible. 

Councilman Vincent Aguirre was in attendance and said he was happy with the discussion.