Brost briefed attendees about the project at a public information meeting held April 5 at the Pike Township Government Center. He was joined by Steve Robertson, a superintendent with Gohmann Asphalt & Construction Company, and Margie Smith-Simmons, DPW’s public information officer. Three employees of the engineering firm involved with the project were also present.
Throughout the duration of the project, the official detour route will use Lafayette Road, 71st Street and Zionsville Road. Signs and barricades will be placed on 86th Street at Zionsville Road and at Lafayette Road.
Several residents expressed concern about increased traffic on unofficial detour routes, including Conarroe Road, 79th Street and Moore Road. Smith-Simmons said she would contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Department about increasing patrols in those areas, but could not guarantee enhanced enforcement.
Brost and Robertson said that the entire concrete bridge deck would be removed and replaced, and that new railings will be of a style that allows motorists to enjoy a view of the creek. New guard rails will be installed at the ends of the bridge, and rip-rap will be placed on the embankments to allow runoff and control erosion. The existing arched piers, which are structurally sound, will be retained and repaired.
Responding to a question from the audience, Smith-Simmons said that there are no plans to widen 86th Street or the bridge through at least 2020.
While the official completion date of the project is slated to be mid-October, Robertson said he planned to have the bridge open in mid-September.