Date set for Washington Street closure

Major changes will be coming to downtown Greencastle beginning June 18 as part of the 231 construction project. 

Greencastle mayor Lynda Dunbar recently announced a closure at the intersection of Bloomington and Washington streets and Washington Street around the Putnam County Courthouse to Franklin Street would be closed completely until the Washington Street section is completed, which is expected to be Nov. 1. 

"INDOT determined in May the city had sewer lines that were over a hundred years old and needed to be replaced before the road is complete," Dunbar said in a release. 

As a result, the location of the sewer line does not leave enough space for a lane of traffic to be open, prompting the need for a closure. Dunbar said the city and INDOT have reached an agreement for a cost share for the project and will reimburse the city for costs related to damage repair on the unofficial detour. 

The official detour will utilize U.S. 36, State Road 75, State Road 240 or U.S. 40. The unofficial detour that has been proposed will utilize U.S. 231, Frazier Street, Madison Street,South Jackson Street, Walnut Street and Veterans Memorial Highway. The unofficial detour will be in effect during the same time period as the official detour. INDOT is to set up and maintain the necessary signage and traffic control for the official route

At Thursday's Greencastle City Council meeting, Dunbar acknowledged she knows it will be an inconvenience to residents and businesses. However, she noted it is important the project be done right and on time, as it is currently behind schedule. 

"Everyone can get to the back of the stores, and I would ask people to go downtown and support them. I've heard one business say they've had their worst day ever and another say they had their best day. They will try to keep the sidewalks open, but it is important they catch up as they are behind schedule," Dunbar said. 

Dunbar also said she understands the issues being created by semi truck traffic, adding barricades will be placed on Bloomington Street with the hope of keeping semi trucks off the street. 

"We know councilors have gotten complaints about semis being on streets they shouldn't be on. There's also been a lot of dump trucks and cement trucks as well. The semis have to be able to get to our businesses though," she said. 

Brittany Overshiner, owner of Britt's Blooming Boutique, told The Putnam County Post her and other business owners have already felt the impact of the construction this spring. 

"I would just ask residents to continue to support the local businesses. It is important that we continue supporting downtown, and it doesn't always have to be shopping. Just sharing a post on social media can help spread awareness and draw people into downtown," Overshiner said.