Public hearing set July 28 for proposed U.S. 36 bridge project

MONTEZUMA -- The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will hold a public hearing Tuesday, July 28 on the proposed U.S. 36 bridge rehabilitation over the Wabash River.

The hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Montezuma Community Center, 800 N. Jackson St. Doors will open at 5 p.m.

The public hearing will offer interested persons an opportunity to comment on current design plans for the proposed bridge rehabilitation project over the Wabash River, located approximately 1.79 miles east of State Road 63 in Parke and Vermillion counties.

The preferred alternative involves rehabilitation of the existing structure for continued vehicular use and would follow the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation as outlined in the Standard Treatment Approach for Historic Bridges.

Built in 1949, the U.S. 36 bridge is a 1,258-foot, eight-span truss bridge. The bridge has six main spans and two approach spans.

The bridge is listed on the Indiana Historic Bridges Inventory as eligible under Criterion C for listing in the National Register and is classified as a Select Bridge. Select Bridges are considered suitable for preservation as excellent examples of a given type of historic bridge.

Details of the rehabilitation will be presented at the hearing. They will include construction of a new bridge deck and replacement of any damaged or deteriorated structural components.

One lane of traffic will be open throughout construction, although short-term overnight closures of the bridge are being considered for deck pours. The tentative timetable for construction will be discussed during the formal presentation.

Public statements for the record will be taken after the formal presentation. Individuals interested in participating in the public statement session may sign the speaker's schedule prior to the presentation.

Anyone who would like to comment but cannot attend the hearing may e-mail comments to Mary Wright at mwright@indot.in.gov.