First Responders continue dealing with construction woes

Monday, June 17, 2024 at 2:32 AM

First responders in Greencastle have had their hands full already with the US 231 construction and are keeping a watchful eye on what may happen when Washington Street closes on June 18 until Nov. 1

"We are dealing with construction issues as you would expect day to day. We have semis that still come through the area when they are not supposed to," Greencastle Police Chief Christopher Jones told The Putnam County Post.

The construction has stretched the manpower of the Greencastle Police Department.

"We don't have the manpower to dedicate someone specifically to the area most times due to more serious incidents that require our officers to be elsewhere. I do have extra patrols being conducted in the area and so far we have made over two dozen traffic stops on vehicles and semis that are committing traffic violations or disregarding posted signage," Jones said.

Jones said his department's primary concern is "just monitoring the detour areas and making sure citizens are driving safely and following the posted signs."

"We don't want any unnecessary accidents because people are frustrated or in a hurry," Jones said.

In addition, special events like First Friday and the Farmer's Market also have the attention of Jones.

"We are focused on ensuring traffic and pedestrian safety during the events and making sure issues with construction are minimal," he said.

While the Greencastle Police Department has seen its share of issues with construction, the impact has been minimal for now to the Greencastle Fire Department, according to chief Rob Frank.

"So far, we have been able to navigate around the construction without a lot of delays. We do our best to avoid Washington Street if possible," Frank said.

Both Jones and Frank said their respective departments will monitor things when Washington Street closes June 18.

"We will be monitoring the detours when the closure goes into effect. I don't think it will be a huge adjustment for local traffic other than the initial change, but, of course, there will be semis that show up and other vehicles that we will have to deal with," Jones said.

Frank echoed those sentiments.

"When the road shuts down completely, we will have some additional challenges reaching some of the businesses and houses that are in that area. We can reach most of them by side streets and alleyways, but it's not as easy as before when we could pull right up in front of the buildings," Frank said.