The Indiana Department of Transportation broke ground on a $28.7 million project Friday, April 21 to construct overpass bridges on northbound and southbound U.S. 31 over Elkhart Western Railroad between 13th Rd. and 14th Rd. near Plymouth.
INDOT officials and local partners in the project gathered for the ceremony stressing the focus on safety that the new infrastructure will bring to a problem spot on U.S. 31 near 13th road.
The memory of Owen Abbott, the young Winamac student who died in a tragic accident at the railroad crossing, was clearly on the minds of the officials in attendance.
Indiana State Trooper Sgt. Ted Bohner recalled that day in his remarks during the ceremony.
“The call went out that day and every first responder knows that location,” he said. “It’s an intersection where any small distraction can cost a life. We are removing a crossing where everything weighs in the balance. It is something that must be done.”
Indiana State Highway Commissioner Mike Smith echoed Bohner’s message stating that safety is INDOT’s constant concern.
“Every year a vast amount of projects come across our desk for funding,” he said. “Those projects that increase safety in our traffic corridors around the state are the ones that get the closest consideration.”
The groundbreaking was also part of “Work Zone Awareness” week.
Smith stated that INDOT hopes the project will be complete in the summer of 2025 and urged motorists to be safe when traveling in the area for the duration of the project.
