(La Porte, IN) - A major road construction project in La Porte is moving forward.

 

Preliminary plans are to build a 42-foot long overpass above the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks on Tipton Street just north of Lincolnway. Benefits of an overpass include travelers on Tipton Street no longer having to wait for freight trains to pass, something that occurs frequently on the busy rail line.

 

During a public meeting this week, La Porte City Engineer Nick Minich said keeping the traffic flowing could help bring more people into the downtown by making traveling here easier from areas like U.S 20.

 

Minich said the overpass would also eliminate having to cross the tracks on Tipton Street. The crossings at Detroit and Pulaski Streets would also be closed to further improve travel safety along the rail line. Motorists typically using the Detroit and Pulaski Street crossings could use the new overpass to get to where they need to go.

 

Consultants revealed that the Spectrum Recycling scrapyard near Tipton and Furnace Streets would need to be relocated to provide room for the overpass. Right now, the Indiana Department of Transportation project is scheduled to go out for bids in April of 2023, project consultants said. 

 

Public comment on the project is encouraged, according to INDOT.

 

Citizens can voice their opinions or concerns with Ryan Scott, environmental specialist for the project, at 317-713-4615 or rscott@bfsengr.com or Jason Springer, senior project manager, at 317-234-3495 or jspringer@indot.in.gov.