Hobart motorists and visitors breathed a sigh of relief Monday with the opening of Indiana 51, just south of the Indian Ridge Golf Course.
Work crews replacing the bridge that crosses Deep River completed the job nearly a month early.
Indiana Department of Transportation spokeswoman Cassy Bajek said INDOT worked with contractor Superior Construction to expedite the project because of all the road work in and around Hobart.
“We understand that road construction, while necessary, can be frustrating,” she said.
“We saw an opportunity to complete this project ahead of schedule and alleviate some of that frustration for motorists in the Hobart area.”
Bajek said the speeded-up timeline resulted in extra costs for overtime work for road crews and subcontractors.
There are still six ongoing road projects in the city, including an INDOT roundabout at Indiana 51 and Indiana 130 and a city of Hobart roundabout on 61st Avenue and Marcella Boulevard.
Work on both roundabouts, with rotating lane closures, is expected to last until October.
Colorado Street, a popular north-south artery, is closed until June 2025 for the construction of an overpass bridge at the CN Railroad grade crossing, between 61st and 69th avenues.
The new bridge will include four lanes with curbs, gutters, lighting, a stormwater system and a 10-foot pedestrian trail.
Other projects in progress include the full closure LaSalle Street reconstruction from 49th Avenue to 3rd Street that’s part of a Community Crossings grant project.
Work is expected to start July 1 on the Arizona Street bridge deck replacement over Deep River.
In August, work is expected to begin on a Lake County project to replace the Wisconsin Street bridge. The street will be closed through 2025.
Mayor Josh Huddleston said at an earlier community meeting the city would have lost about $15.5 million in state funding if it delayed any of the projects.
The Hobart Fire Department has secured mutual aid commitments from neighboring fire departments if its trucks can’t cover fires or other emergencies.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Michelle Quinn contributed to this story.