IN: Union Chapel exit project starting soon (I-69)

[nds76]

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) --The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Fort Wayne District announced Friday a tentative timeline for construction of the new Union Chapel Road and I-69 interchange, that will feature roundabouts at each end of the new bridge over I-69.
Motorists can expect to see the placement of construction signs and temporary barrier walls on I-69 near Union Chapel Road by early to mid-March.

Weather permitting, on March 26, 2012, Union Chapel Road is scheduled to be closed between Auburn and Diebold Roads. This closure will continue throughout the construction season. Beginning the week of March 26, weather permitting demolition of the existing Union Chapel Road Bridge will occur during the night. During the bridge demolition, I-69 will have 20 minute stoppages and then be re-opened. Further details will be released as the date approaches.

INDOT said roundabouts use circular lanes to carry traffic in the same direction to various points of the intersection. The advantages to a roundabout include free flowing traffic without obstructions such as "Stop"  signs or signals, which can result in delays. (like stopping at a stop signs/signals would be a significant delay. C'mon INDOT!)

The purpose of the project is to improve access from the interstate and handle about 4,000 more vehicles that will be traveling through the area daily,  providing more access to the new Parkview Regional Medical Center, which is scheduled to open next month.

Brooks Construction won the contract and INDOT officials said that's good for our community.

"What that means is local, tax payers' dollars will stay right here in Allen County and that's a win win for everybody,"  said Toni Mayo, INDOT spokesperson.

The Union Chapel project is scheduled to be done in the fall and will cost a total of 13.9 million dollars.

Parkview has already paid for $10 million dollars of that bill.

Mayo also said INDOT is planning to add roundabouts to the Diebold and Auburn Roads.

http://www.wane.com/dpp/news/local/union-chapel-exit-project-starting-soon

[tdindy88]

An aside to this, Exit 116 at Dupont Road will be upgraded to a diverging diamond interchage in 2013 upon the completion of this interchange. With the Ohio Rivers project still dragging on, this will likely be the first diverging diamond in Indiana.

For those interested, here's the link for that interchange. http://www.in.gov/indot/2894.htm

[ShawnP]

Rumors are for a summer ground breaking for the Ohio River bridges. I'll believe it when I hear the Diesels crank over.

[US12]

Wow Google maps already has updated the map to show this future interchange.