Staff Reports
Phase II construction of the U.S. 50 bypass in North Vernon will begin in three to four weeks, according to a spokesman for the Indiana Department of Transportation.
The $18.4 million project calls for building 3¼ miles of roadway from State Road 3 to the existing U.S. 50, just west of County Road 75E/Deer Creek Road, INDOT spokesman Harry Maginity said.
This eastern section project includes bridge construction for structures spanning the Muscatatuck River and CSX rail tracks.
Blinker signals will be installed at State Road 3 and Buckeye Street. All crossings are at-grade.
The new U.S. 50 pavement will accommodate two 12-foot lanes with 10-foot shoulders.
The Muscatatuck River bridge — located .73 mile north of existing U.S. 50, west of Base Road — will be a three-span concrete bulb-T beam structure, 402 feet long with 47 feet of roadway side-to-side.
A single-span bulb-T beam bridge over the CSX rail tracks — a half-mile north of existing U.S. 50, 0.22 mile east of Base Road — will be 97 feet long.
The contract calls for closures at county roads 20W and 75W for up to 30 days each.
INDOT officials met with contractors, design consultants and utility company representatives Wednesday at INDOT’s Seymour District offices to coordinate operations for launching the project. Dave O’Mara is the state’s prime contractor.
Subcontractor Gradex plans to start moving soil and rock in mid-July, beginning grading operations for a new U.S. 50 roadbed and slopes. Currently, utility companies are on site, completing relocation of services.
The 4½-mile Phase I western section — U.S. 50 bypass between County Road 400W and State Road 3 — was opened to traffic in late 2013.
For area highway information, monitor social media sites: Facebook.com/INDOTSoutheast and Twitter @INDOTSoutheast. Verify travel plans at TrafficWise at trafficwise.in.gov.
