Mike Wolanin | The Republic Motorists pass over the Lowell Road Bridge in Columbus, Ind., Friday, March 15, 2019.
COLUMBUS, Ind. — Federal funds for replacing Lowell Bridge and nearby improvements have been approved.
Bartholomew County will receive $5,520,000 for the Lowell Bridge replacement, while a separate grant of $2,397,600 will be provided to another purpose. That money will be used to reconfigure the southern approach to the future new bridge from County Road 325W, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation.
In order to receive the money, Bartholomew County will be required to come up with 20% of the grant for the bridge replacement, county highway engineer Danny Hollander said. But since the reconfiguration of Road 325W is classified as a safety project, a local match of only 10% will be required, Hollander added.
The reconfiguration will allow traffic a more direct approach between 325W and the bridge, Hollander said. The combination of both Lowell Road and 325W is used by many motorists as a bypass between Jonathan Moore Pike (State Road 46 West) and National Road (U.S. 31).
The total $7.9 million is more in line with the amount required for the project. However, estimates for the entire project have run as high as $11 million.
That compares to $195,000 spent in 1959 to construct the 433-feet long existing bridge.
While construction cannot get underway until after July 1, 2026, there’s plenty to do over the next three years. Challenges will include relocating utilities, acquiring right of way, commissioning environmental studies and various inspections, Hollander said.
For the complete story, see Saturday’s Republic.
