Bluffton Road Bridge News

Federal funds going to bridges

7 in county set to be replaced

JIM CHAPMAN | The Journal Gazette

Federal dollars will pay at least 80% of the cost to replace seven Allen County bridges over the next five to seven years, officials said Friday.The Indiana Department of Transportation announced Fort Wayne will receive $5.5 million in federal money to replace the Bluffton Road bridge over the St. Marys River and $958,400 to replace the Goeglein Road bridge over the Bullerman Drain.Both bridges have weight restrictions.Frank Suárez, director of public information for the Division of Public Works and City Utilities, said construction for both bridges could begin in 2025.

About 25,000 vehicles a day use the Bluffton Road bridge. The Goeglein Road Bridge serves about 2,700 vehicles per day, he said.The state transportation department told the Allen County Highway Department this week that $6.6 million in federal money will be awarded to five projects. More federal money might be available to pay for engineering and right of way acquisition costs, county officials said.Two of the bridge replacement projects are expected to be advertised for bids in late 2023 and 2024, with construction beginning a year to 18 months later. Those projects are:• The Bluffton Road bridge over Harbor Ditch just south of Winters Road. The total cost of the project, including right-of-way acquisition, is expected to be $2.4 million.• The Monroeville Road bridge over Hoffman Ditch just west of Fackler Road. That project is estimated to cost $1.7 million.The three other projects are expected to be advertised for bids in late 2024 or early 2025, with construction expected a year to 18 months later. They are:• The Amber Road bridge over the Little River near Branning Road. The project is expected to cost $1.2 million.• The Antwerp Road bridge over the Oberhaltzer Ditch on the west edge of Harlan. The cost is expected to be $1.5 million.• The Slusher Road bridge over the Edgerton-Carson Ditch just west of Brobst Road. That project is expected to be $3.4 million.jchapman@jg.net