US 231 project continues in Greencastle

Monday, October 14, 2024 at 8:21 PM

By Paul Gable

It is a project that has dominated the first 10 months of her term as Mayor, but for Lynda Dunbar, the US 231 project in Greencastle has offered plenty of learning opportunities.

"I have learned a lot about things with this project. I think this project is going to make me a better mayor. We have a lot of big projects that are going to come up in the next three years. I have learned a lot. There has been good, there has been bad. Communication is the key to any project and I think in the beginning, we struggled with the message of US 231 but every day we work harder and I think we make huge strides," Dunbar told The Putnam County Post.

With Jackson Street open around the Putnam County Courthouse, Dunbar told the Greencastle City Council recently that the sewer lines are all running now from Locust Street to Vine Street and work continues. Dunbar admitted there was a bit of a delay due to construction crews finding limestone when they put in new lines.

"It was really huge when Jackson Street opened so people can get quickly across or out of town. We are still seeing trucks on city streets and our police department is working with them and pulling them over when it happens," Dunbar said.

An issue with the 231 project remains with Frontier's communication lines in front of City Hall, which has held up the project significantly.

Dunbar told council it is her understanding that a meeting was supposed to take place to put some pressure on Frontier to move its lines.

"I have been told Frontier will not be holding up the project any more," said Dunbar, adding INDOT officials have told her the section in front of City Hall will be open by winter. "I hope they are right."

Dunbar also said she is slated to be on a phone call to discuss "the good, the bad and the ugly in working with INDOT on this project."

"It's starting to come together, and I am looking forward to learning more about this project. We have a few things to work through with INDOT," Dunbar said.