New Cline Avenue Bridge Set to Open in 2019 [NW Indiana]

[NWI_Irish96]

How was the drive overall?

It's a bridge with a view the lakefront oil tanks and steel mills, so it's not a drive you take for scenery. It's really more for trucks and employees going to/from the mills, or if you're going to the casinos. It's only one lane each way on the new section.

Any plans by the bridge operators to add two more lanes?

Sounds like it's going to depend on how much revenue they take in. The stubs of the old sections of road have been left on each end in case they do it.

[nwi_navigator_1181]

With the bridge now open, will crews take advantage of the free trial period to update the signage within the immediate area with "TOLL BRIDGE"  tabs? I know they'll be needed along both Toll Road ramps, Calumet Avenue, and the remaining entrance ramps between the Toll Road junctions. I'm sure they updated (or plan to update) signage along Cline itself too.

[Great Lakes Roads]

https://www.nwitimes.com/opinion/letters/letter-to-the-editor-cline-avenue-bridge-shouldnt-be-a-toll-road/article_44645b35-5efb-5b45-88d2-00311cad392e.html

News article on why there shouldn't be a toll bridge on Cline Avenue 

[NWI_Irish96]

https://www.nwitimes.com/opinion/letters/letter-to-the-editor-cline-avenue-bridge-shouldnt-be-a-toll-road/article_44645b35-5efb-5b45-88d2-00311cad392e.html

News article on why there shouldn't be a toll bridge on Cline Avenue 

Well, it's a letter to the editor and not a news article. Also, once INDOT decided not to replace the bridge, a free bridge was never an option, only a toll bridge or no bridge at all.

[silverback1065]

there's been rumors for years that 65 and 70 will be tolled throughout the whole state.

[SSOWorld]

I just drove this thing this afternoon. 

What a waste of money - the bridge is quite a cookie cut and to that end - its like someone forgot to put the second buck tooth back into the socket when they rebuilt it.

[BridgesToIdealism]

Interestingly Google Maps added the new section of the Greensboro Urban Loop almost immediately after it opened, and has done similar with the Fayetteville Outer Loop and the Kickapoo Turnpike - but for some reason has not yet added the new Cline Avenue Bridge. Maybe there's a delay with getting a Google Maps listing for private infrastructure?

[JREwing78]

https://www.nwitimes.com/opinion/letters/letter-to-the-editor-cline-avenue-bridge-shouldnt-be-a-toll-road/article_44645b35-5efb-5b45-88d2-00311cad392e.html

News article on why there shouldn't be a toll bridge on Cline Avenue 

Well, it's a letter to the editor and not a news article. Also, once INDOT decided not to replace the bridge, a free bridge was never an option, only a toll bridge or no bridge at all.

I can't say I disagree with the author's sentiment. Not having connectivity to Riley Rd seems like a mistake.

[NWI_Irish96]

https://www.nwitimes.com/opinion/letters/letter-to-the-editor-cline-avenue-bridge-shouldnt-be-a-toll-road/article_44645b35-5efb-5b45-88d2-00311cad392e.html

News article on why there shouldn't be a toll bridge on Cline Avenue 

Well, it's a letter to the editor and not a news article. Also, once INDOT decided not to replace the bridge, a free bridge was never an option, only a toll bridge or no bridge at all.

I can't say I disagree with the author's sentiment. Not having connectivity to Riley Rd seems like a mistake.

With the incoming Sec. of Transportation being from nearby, it's possible that if they'd waited they could have gotten federal funding and done it right and with no tolls.

[Revive 755]

Saw an ad on WGN 9 for the new bridge - 'try it for free'.

[mhking]

THAT is what they put back!? Admittedly, I haven't been home in years, but if that's what they've done, there's no reason for me to take Cline Ave. over the Toll Road in that instance.

Admittedly, last time I went that route I would take it and get off on old US 12 (Airport Road now), to go through Gary and likely make a stop at an old rib joint on the way back to my folks house -- but that'll tell you how long it's been for me. I moved out of Miller in 94, and my family left Gary a few years later. They live out east of Crown Point now.

[Ryctor2018]

I took it a month after it opened and though it is two lanes, it's still a decent route. This is new bridge functions more like a Super-2; the route is still limited access. The rest of IN-912 on either end of the new bridge is largely unchanged. But, the route is designed so that a second bridge can be constructed next to the existing completed route.

[dvferyance]

https://www.nwitimes.com/opinion/letters/letter-to-the-editor-cline-avenue-bridge-shouldnt-be-a-toll-road/article_44645b35-5efb-5b45-88d2-00311cad392e.html

News article on why there shouldn't be a toll bridge on Cline Avenue 

Well, it's a letter to the editor and not a news article. Also, once INDOT decided not to replace the bridge, a free bridge was never an option, only a toll bridge or no bridge at all.

I can't say I disagree with the author's sentiment. Not having connectivity to Riley Rd seems like a mistake.

I believe the WB onramp from Riley Road remains.

[NWI_Irish96]

https://www.nwitimes.com/opinion/letters/letter-to-the-editor-cline-avenue-bridge-shouldnt-be-a-toll-road/article_44645b35-5efb-5b45-88d2-00311cad392e.html

News article on why there shouldn't be a toll bridge on Cline Avenue 

Well, it's a letter to the editor and not a news article. Also, once INDOT decided not to replace the bridge, a free bridge was never an option, only a toll bridge or no bridge at all.

I can't say I disagree with the author's sentiment. Not having connectivity to Riley Rd seems like a mistake.

I believe the WB onramp from Riley Road remains.

Yes, it does. There is no EB off ramp, but it looks like if they ever build the other two lanes, it would get added then.