INDOT plans pavement project for U.S. 231 in Greencastle this summer

Loaded with a couch and other items, a pickup truck makes its way southbound on U.S. 231 between two of the most pothole-prevalent sections of pavement in Greencastle. Some time this summer the Indiana Department of Transportation is due to undertake an asphalt overlay project to at least temporarily restore a smooth surface to the highway prior to a major reconstruction project on U.S. 231 during 2021 or 2022.

Banner Graphic/Eric Bernsee

Judging by the potholes and lumpy patches of asphalt that prevail from Shadowlawn Avenue to Bloomington Street, the pavement on U.S. 231 is due for some much-needed attention.

Particularly bad are the area between Liberty and Daggy streets on the north side of town, and the section between St. Paul’s Catholic Church and HBG Insurance just east of downtown.

That was easily apparent earlier this week with persistent rain falling as drivers with plenty of experience with the rumble-strip-like effects of the pavement north of town inched their way along. Those unaware of the lumpy, bumpy circumstances got quite a jolt running through there at the 30-mph speed limit or higher between Neal Tire and the Putnam Inn.

But Mayor Bill Dory says help is on the way.

“I think all of us have suffered through the potholes on U.S. 231,” he told the City Council at its April meeting. “We have received word from INDOT (the Indiana Department of Transportation) that they’ll be coming through some time this summer with an overlay project to at least extend the pavement out until the major reconstruction project comes in 2021 or 2022.”

The overlay asphalt will at least provide a smooth surface until such time as the full-scale restoration project is undertaken.

“The existing pavement is simply not going to last until major reconstruction in 2021,” the mayor said during his 2019 State of the City address recently.

Dory said he will be meeting with INDOT in the near future to find out more about the scheduling of both the short-term and long-term projects.

In the meantime, “hopefully we won’t have as many potholes next winter as we do this winter,” the mayor suggested.