[Southsider2k12]

http://heraldargus.com/archives/ha/display.php?id=383453

Troubling traffic
Comment on this story

Derek Smith, 1-866-362-2167 Ext. 13863 , dsmith@heraldargus.com

Closure of Ind. 212 bridge has some concerned for neighborhood safety

MICHIGAN CITY -- Leaving his home has become a little more difficult of late for Gary Brown.

The Michigan City resident said he had to wait five minutes before he could leave his driveway in the 3000 block of Springland Avenue Saturday.

The cause of the delay was the closure of the Ind. 212 bridge over the South Shore Railroad tracks. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) closed the bridge Friday after a routine inspection revealed structural deficiencies in the span, which had been labeled in “critical” condition in a former inspection.

Springland Avenue intersects Ind. 212 right before the closing and has been used as a detour by motorists traveling through.

“It sucks,” Brown told The La Porte County Herald-Argus this morning. “You sit here and watch the cars come by so fast they think they’re still on (Ind.) 212.”

Although there are detour signs directing nothbound traffic to use U.S. 35 North to U.S. 12 East and southbound traffic to use U.S. 12 West to U.S. 35 South, many motorists have taken to using Springland Avenue to Royal Road to Warnke Road. Both Springland and Warnke are residential routes, and the increased traffic has caused problems for some area residents.

“We barely have any cars going through here,” Christian Landis told The Herald-Argus this morning. “(Now) there’s so many cars and trucks going through here, even at night, we have trouble sleeping.”

Landis lives on White Birch Street, a block from Springland, and delivers papers on a route that includes both streets. He said even in the early morning he has had to be more careful while crossing the street.

“Probably 95 percent of the cars coming through don’t even live in the area,” Landis said.

Brown said he has noticed a large volume of vehicles with Illinois license plates passing through the area.

With a park on Springland, there is concern among some residents for child safety.

“A lot of kids ride bikes on this street,” Brown said. “They come out sometimes and ride past the center line without even looking.”

Semi trucks have also used the unofficial detour, which puts stress on the road. There is a sign at the entrance to Springland from Ind. 212 that lists the maximum weight limit as five tons.

The bridge is scheduled for reinspection in the next few weeks, then INDOT will decide what to do with it.

[Southsider2k12]

http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs....810030/0/SPORTS

Indiana 212 bridge closed after inspection reveals defects

Tribune Staff Report

The Indiana 212 bridge over the South Shore railroad line between U.S. 20 and U.S. 12 in Michigan City has been closed after an inspection revealed potential safety issues with the structure.

According to a release from the Indiana Department of Transportation, unspecified defects discovered during a routine inspection led to the closure of the bridge, which will remain closed until further notice, while bridge inspectors work to determine if temporary repairs can address the safety issues.

The bridge has been on a list of structures slated for replacement by InDOT. Bids for a construction project to replace the bridge are slated to be sought in October.

During the closure, northbound traffic will be detoured to take U.S. 35 north to U.S. 12 east, while southbound traffic will be diverted onto U.S. 12 west to U.S. 35 south.

[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=57416.73

An Inconvenient Truth
Several businesses displaced, but INDOT stands by decision to close 212 bridge

Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - The Indiana Department of Transportation's decision Friday to close the Indiana 212 bridge is inconveniencing business owners on both sides of it.

Haviland-Callan Inc. Moving and Storage is on Indiana 212 just north of the road barriers placed at Warnke Road south of the bridge. Owner Jim Callan said he's glad he is not in retail because he would be out of business by now.

Callan's company motto is, "Moving needn't be a headache," but lately he's had a few of those because half his warehouse facilities are in Stevensville and St. Joseph, Mich., and his trucks normally head north over the bridge to U.S. 12.

However, Wayne Skinner, La Porte district head of bridge inspection, is comfortable with his recommendation to close the bridge because of uncertainty about the extent of corrosion and the possible risk to drivers.

Based on a visual inspection Thursday night, Skinner opted to shut the bridge. His decision was supported by Bill Dittrich, state bridge inspector in La Porte.

Skinner took another look at the bridge Monday, this time with a structural engineer and corrosion specialist.

"I'm not comfortable with it," Skinner said of the bridge's condition.

What happens now is up to INDOT professionals in higher positions, Skinner said. He was concerned about the 212 bridge before the collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, but agrees the tragedy has moved the project to a higher priority level.

"Certainly it has heightened my sense of concern," he said. "I'm taking a harder look at everything out there, but this (bridge) has been my first priority."

Larry Musch, owner of the plumbing and pipe-fitting company Pyramid Mechanical Contractors Inc. at Indiana 212 and Warnke Road, said his business hasn't been affected much because he works with contractors who drive to various locations. Musch has 15 employees working on site. One of them, Jeff Brandon, Michigan City, said, "It stinks. I've got to go Mickey Mousing through the woods to get to where my family lives at the state line on 12."

Co-worker Mark McQueen, Rolling Prairie, was more philosophical.

"Life is made up of compromises," he said. "Adapt and overcome."

None of the businesses were told in advance about the bridge closure, although Skinner said no one in his office had a heads up either. Their first clue came Friday morning when highway workers showed up to put barricades on both sides and dumped a line of sand across the road where the bridge begins.

At Haviland-Callan, Callan said he's glad barricades were removed from one lane Monday to allow traffic to his business from the south. But eight of his office employees live north of the bridge and are having to change their normal driving patterns. Drivers can get to the other side of the bridge by driving west on Warnke Road to Royal Road and heading north to Tryon Road, then east to 212.

Missy Mangold, a receptionist at Central States Manufacturing, said she's definitely been affected by the closure. Her job entails giving truck drivers the new directions.

"It's terrible," she said. "Oh my goodness. Drivers are calling in and rerouting them is awful."

Mangold said she received no advance notice about the closure.

"It would have been nice to have been informed," she said.

Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com

[Southsider2k12]

http://heraldargus.com/archives/ha/display.php?id=383749

U.S. 212 bridge closed until May
Erin Blasko, 1-866-362-2167 Ext. 13894, eblasko@heraldargus.com

Corrosion worse than thought; demolition scheduled for this fall

MICHIGAN CITY -- The nearly 9,000 motorists who used the Ind. 212 bridge each day will have to find another north-south route through Michigan City until at least May of next year.

After further inspection, the Indiana Department of Transportation announced Thursday that it will close the bridge until it is replaced.

INDOT had said it would consider reopening the bridge with restrictions after it was closed Aug. 10 following a routine inspection. But further inspection revealed the corrosion of span supports was severe enough to warrant the structure’s permanent closure.

“We looked at it and the corrosion was taking place faster than anticipated,” Joshua Bingham, public information officer for the La Porte District of INDOT, told The La Porte County Herald-Argus Thursday.

A bridge reconstruction contract is scheduled for a mid-October letting, according to an INDOT press release. Bingham said the contract would stipulate a finish date of late May 2008 to replace the bridge’s superstructure, substructure and deck.

Demolition of the existing bridge, built in 1972 and rehabbed in 1997, will begin this fall, he said.

The bridge had already been scheduled for replacement in 2008 after a March 2006 inspection revealed it was in “serious” condition, with a rating of 3 on a 9-point scale. Because of its condition, however, Bingham said work on the bridge is being expedited.

Although a detour directs motorists around the bridge via U.S. 12 and U.S. 35, some drivers have been using Springland Avenue and Warnke Road as a detour, causing concern for some residents along those two-lane roads.

Michigan City Mayor Chuck Oberlie told The Herald-Argus this morning that the city’s traffic commission will meet to discuss temporary traffic-control measures to either slow traffic along those roads or discourage motorists from using them as a detour.

Oberlie also said he would meet with business owners along Ind. 212 to discuss possible ways to reduce the economic impact of having the bridge closed for several months.

The Ind. 212 bridge is not the only span in poor condition in the county. Strand connectors on the U.S. 35 bridge over the Kankakee River are also corroding. The bridge is rated in critical condition and scheduled for repair in 2009. Bingham said this morning that the bridge is scheduled to be inspected in the next two to three weeks.

[JHeath]

I have a few questions in all of this:

• Who is responsible for the repairs to the roads being used as detours if they become damamged from the heavy traffic?
• Will the Fire and Police Departments be able to get to where they need to go fast enough
• Why, if they new 3 years ago about this, has it taken so long?

Anyone...?

[Southsider2k12]

Whoever is responsible for the roads technically will have to repair them if they become damaged. (IE county road are paid for by LP Co., local roads by MC etc)

Emergency teams will have to rethink their coverage and how they respond to calls because of this, because the bridge isn't going to be reopened for a while at least

Finally, no one said anything about any of the bridge problems in the whole country because people complained louder about the tax money and the inconvience of the fix, versus just leaving things the way that they were. Now with the tragedy in Minnesota, the pendulm has swung the other way, and now if there is any question the offending bridge will be shut down to cover peoples behinds. Eventually it will go back to the way it used to be when people are more worried about inconvience versus the potential consequences. For a good example of this think back to the attiutude towards long security lines before 9-11, right after 9-11, and today.

[Ang]

I remember when the bridge was built in 1972. We lived on Warnke Rd behind the 212 Tap (before it moved farther down 212). I remember the traffic on the road and how people used to fly down it toward Royal Rd. There were many police patrols then in an effort to keep people from speeding. I also remember the inconvenience my parents faced having to detour down Royal Rd to Tryon Rd. just to get to 12. And I remember the excitement when the bridge finally opened and how we piled in the car to take a ride over it. Now all that being 35 years ago, I can imagine the problem is 10 times worse with increased population and traffic along 212. There are more businesses along that route and more people live along that route than 35 years ago. Heck, TallTimbers was still new and shiney back then. What a horrible inconvenience it must be, especially for people who travel that route to get back and forth to work. Jenny has a valuable point concerning emergency response. I wonder if the City has taken any of this into consideration?

[JHeath]

...
Finally, no one said anything about any of the bridge problems in the whole country because people complained louder about the tax money and the inconvience of the fix, versus just leaving things the way that they were. Now with the tragedy in Minnesota, the pendulm has swung the other way, and now if there is any question the offending bridge will be shut down to cover peoples behinds. Eventually it will go back to the way it used to be when people are more worried about inconvience versus the potential consequences. For a good example of this think back to the attiutude towards long security lines before 9-11, right after 9-11, and today.

This is one of the things that annoys me the most--things need to be fixed, but are ignored simply because of the cost or the inconvenience. Why not make the necessary repairs based on what needs it most? Wouldn't it save us money in the long run to repair the bridge rather than just to rebuild it?

I'm sure that the MCFD, MCPD, Springfield VFD, and LPC Sherriff's Dept. have already come up with alternate routes in case of emergencies. They're usually pretty much on the ball, but still...it's going to take a bit longer to reach their destinations.

[TRAILCREEKKID]

This is one of the things that annoys me the most--things need to be fixed, but are ignored simply because of the cost or the inconvenience. Why not make the necessary repairs based on what needs it most? Wouldn't it save us money in the long run to repair the bridge rather than just to rebuild it?

I'm sure that the MCFD, MCPD, Springfield VFD, and LPC Sherriff's Dept. have already come up with alternate routes in case of emergencies. They're usually pretty much on the ball, but still...it's going to take a bit longer to reach their destinations.

A good observation was noted in the Anvil Chorus that other RR crossings on rte 212 do not have bridges. So why even have a bridge to begin with. Sure it would be inconvenient to be stuck waiting for a train should one pass, but the fix is a whole lot cheaper and it could be done in a matter of weeks.

[Ang]

I saw that in the ND, too and totally agree. As I said, I remember when it was built, and I remember when it wasn't there, too. I often wondered why they put it there in the first place.

Oh, and welcome to the site TCKid!

[Southsider2k12]

A good observation was noted in the Anvil Chorus that other RR crossings on rte 212 do not have bridges. So why even have a bridge to begin with. Sure it would be inconvenient to be stuck waiting for a train should one pass, but the fix is a whole lot cheaper and it could be done in a matter of weeks.

I got to thinking about this, and I wonder if it is due to some South Shore specific funding. I work in Chicago and ride the train everyday, and I have notice that they have a lot of bridges over their crossings. I wonder if because they are a public transportation system that they have a higher priority for bridges, because of the danger of losing more lives potentially when stupid people go around downed gates and get hit by trains. I don't have anything to support that theory, just a thought.

[Ang]

It's a good thought SSder. It makes a lot of sense to me. Didn't something like that happen not too long ago? A SS train derailed or something because of a vehicle on the tracks. Shut down the whole line for days and they had to bus people or something. My memory of it is a little foggy. Seems like it happened in Porter Co.

[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=39596.09

Bridge Closure Causes Trouble
Lack of span has made a traffic nightmare for Indiana 212 residents.

Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - The neighborhood they've lived in for nearly 30 years has turned into a traffic nightmare since the Indiana 212 bridge was closed Aug. 10.

The closing came on the heels of a bridge collapse in Minneapolis and an INDOT inspection that found corrosion on the 212 bridge advancing faster than normal. The bridge spans the South Shore commuter train tracks and connects U.S. 20 and U.S. 12.

Billy Vaughn and Rick Smith, neighbors on Tryon Road at the intersection of Meer Road, are upset that no work has been done since the closing, and don't expect any soon. They say rerouted traffic is creating inconveniences for area residents.

"If that bridge was going to the boat (casino), it would have been fixed," Vaughn said.

Smith just wants to see work start.

"The main problem is we don't see any rear ends and elbows heading for that bridge."

INDOT spokesman Joshua Bingham said the Indiana 212 bridge is expected to re-open in the early summer of 2008. The project has been fast-tracked, he said, because the bridge's condition is considered an emergency. Bingham said bids will be opened, reviewed and a contractor announced this month. The bridge is expected to be demolished by the end of this year.

"This is pretty quick in the scheme of things," Bingham said. "Usually it takes six years from planning to the actual work."

Smith and Vaughn are concerned about rerouted tractor-trailers finding their way east on Tryon Road. When they get to Meer Road, signs are posted prohibiting trucks from proceeding.

Just when Vaughn and Smith thought things couldn't get any worse, a joint Michigan City/La Porte County project started on Meer Road. Woodruff & Sons is overseeing installation of sewer and water lines and repavement of Meer Road. The project has closed a section of Meer Road south of the intersection with Tryon Road.

Smith says he now travels an extra eight miles to get into Michigan City.

Besides the extra travel, Smith and Vaughn have each had large trucks hit the overhead utility lines and knock out their phone and cable connections.

Vaughn and Smith are circulating petitions among residents who want to protest the large trucks and extra traffic on Tryon Road. They've collected 300 signatures so far, and expect to present 500 to City Councilman Phil Jankowski, D-6th Ward.

"It's an inconvenience to say the least," Jankowski said. "I would like to see the repair or replacement done as soon as possible."

Jankowski would like to find out whether the bridge can be opened to traffic other than trucks. He has talked to State Rep. Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City, and State Sen. Jim Arnold, D-La Porte.

Vaughn said people in his neighborhood feel cut off from the fire station that normally serves them. Larry Butcher, public information officer for the Michigan City Fire Department, said the department has changed routes so the area is now served by two stations - Engine 3 on Indiana 212 and Engine 2 on U.S. 12.

"The bridge being out is basically an inconvenience," Butcher said.

Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.

Closing hits Humane Society
MICHIGAN CITY - The Indiana 212 bridge closing has had a negative impact on the Michiana Humane Society.

Executive Director Gail Marsh said activity at 722 Indiana 212 is down about 20 percent since the bridge was closed. Bridge detour barricades at Tryon Road have prevented people from stopping in, Marsh said.

People don't realize they can drive around the barriers, she said.

"Any animal shelter needs to be in a highly visible, high traffic place," she said. That was the case for the Michiana Humane Society, until the state closed the road on both sides of the bridge Aug. 10, declaring it an emergency situation.

"The closing is really hurting us," Board President Dave Moon said. "It would have been one thing if we had been told. We could have had some signs made, or sent out notices."

A lot of shelter traffic comes from people dropping by to donate funds and then staying to see the available animals. It's common for people to drive by the facility and decide, on impulse, to adopt an animal, according to Marsh.

The impulse traffic is definitely off, Moon said, and so are donations. The bridge closing has been particularly painful because Michiana Humane Society celebrates the 10th anniversary at its current location this fall. A Capital Campaign was launched Aug. 1 to raise $150,000.

Marsh said the funds are needed to repair the building siding and roof and to replace an inefficient heating system. Another need is to finish an original piece of the building, expanding available space by 20 percent.

"We always have a waiting list," Marsh said, because all animals can't be accommodated.

All of the shelter's animals can be viewed on the organization's web site www.michianahumanesociety.org.

Unlike nonprofit agencies serving people, the Michiana Humane Society does not receive United Way funding. Instead, Marsh said the shelter relies on donations.

Several fund-raising events will take place in the next few months to generate needed operating funds, Marsh said. Two board members have challenged each other to a golf match on Monday for donations.

A Casino Night is planned for Oct. 27 at the Elks Club, for $35 a couple. The Holiday Home Tour is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10 and 11. - By Laurie Wink

[Southsider2k12]

I'll be the first to admit, I love conspiracy theories, but this one made me laugh.

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...91&TM=52902

Isn't it ironic that a major highway has had part of it shut down for two months, as a matter of fact since shortly after Four Winds Casino opened, and not one bit of work has been done to repair it?

And isn't it ironic that the detour takes you right past Blue Chip Casino? Hmm, makes one think perhaps some trickery is going on here, at the taxpayers' expense. It's time to fix it or open it up.

Eileen Riley

New Buffalo, Mich.

[RexKickass]

A good observation was noted in the Anvil Chorus that other RR crossings on rte 212 do not have bridges. So why even have a bridge to begin with. Sure it would be inconvenient to be stuck waiting for a train should one pass, but the fix is a whole lot cheaper and it could be done in a matter of weeks.

The other train tracks dont have electric wires overhanging them. Part of the reason a bridge is necessary there is because it gives a route for oversize vehicles for traveling safely.

[Roger Kaputnik]

The problem I have had is the difficulty in getting the Fried Cat restaurant. I only get there once every other week now.

[JHeath]

Finally!

http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs....4/1130/Sports01

Work to start on Ind. 212 bridge
Gary firm wins $2 million contract to repair South Shore overpass.

Tribune Staff Report

MICHIGAN CITY — The Indiana Department of Transportation has signed a contract for repairs to the Indiana 212 bridge over the South Shore railroad tracks.

The bridge was closed in August due to corrosion.

According to a Department of Transportation news release, Superior Construction of Gary, Ind., received the contract for $2 million.


The department anticipates the bridge reopening around the middle of June 2008.

The bridge was built in 1972.

[Roger Kaputnik]

Are they gonna rebuild the whole thing or patch what needs patching? Seems like a long time for repairs.

[Southsider2k12]

If the damage is that severe, I imagine they are going to have to rebuild it. Also let it be noted for some who seemed to think this was an intentional plot, and/or blamed local officials, this is a INDOT thing, not an MC thing.

[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...;ArticleID=9086

Ind. 212 Bridge Project Deemed On Schedule
INDOT spokesman: The highway, closed down since Aug., could reopen by mid-June.

Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - The approximately $2 million reconstruction of the Indiana 212 bridge is on schedule, according to state officials.

The bridge is expected to be open to traffic by mid-June, Indiana Department of Transportation spokesman Joshua Bingham said.

The first steps in rebuilding the bridge took place last week, when the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District relocated two 2,300-volt electrical lines used by both the South Shore passenger and freight lines.

This week, the general contractor, Superior Construction of Gary, is putting up concrete barriers on the north and south ends of the bridge to prevent traffic. A layer of heavy stone also is being added to access roads below the bridge to allow heavy equipment to come in.

During the first week of February, Bingham said contractors plan to drill holes into the bridge center section and break it into pieces. A 500-ton crane will be brought in to remove the pieces. Bingham said the crane will allow the fast-track reconstruction project to stay on schedule.

Bridge demolition will be completed by mid-February, if weather permits, Bingham said. The contractor arranged to have bridge work done around the South Shore schedule to allow the railroad to operate as usual.

INDOT put a high priority on reconstructing the 212 bridge, built in 1972, following the collapse of a bridge span across the Mississippi River in Minneapolis last summer. The local bridge was closed in August.



Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.