The Indiana Department of Transportation joined legislators, local officials, law enforcement and industry partners to break ground today on a $28.7 million project to construct overpass bridges on U.S. 31 over Elkhart Western Railroad between 13th Rd. and 14th Rd., south of Plymouth. The project will create grade separation at the crossing following a pattern of crashes.
“Taking U.S. 31 over the railroad will keep drivers from having to stop at the crossing,” said INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith. “Once complete, traffic will flow continuously and the corridor will be safer for all who use it to get to and from work, visit family and friends, and travel across or through the Hoosier state.”
The contract was awarded to Phend & Brown Inc. in February and includes construction of two bridges, one on northbound U.S. 31 and one on southbound U.S. 31, both over the railroad. The project is expected to be complete in late summer 2025.
Access to U.S. 31 will be maintained throughout the two years of construction by converting one side of the roadway to two-way traffic while work is completed on the opposite side. The northbound side will be closed for construction first.
Today’s event coincided with the final day of National Work Zone Awareness Week, an annual campaign held near the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones.
“As National Work Zone Awareness Week wraps up, we want to remind motorists that safe driving practices are important all year round both in and out of work zones,” said Indiana State Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Ted Bohner. “Slow down, limit distractions and follow traffic directions carefully so that everyone makes it home to their families at the end of the day.”
Stay up to date on the latest construction information for this and other projects across the state at 511in.org or via INDOT’s TrafficWise mobile app. INDOT encourages motorists to slow down, exercise caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.
