Over 100 turn out for overpass groundbreaking

November 4, 2019November 4, 2019 John Clark

Mayor Jim Lienhoop and members of the Columbus City Council turn dirt at Monday’s overpass groundbreaking: WRB staff photo

More than 100 people turned out for a groundbreaking ceremony Monday afternoon near the site of the overpass project at State Roads 11 and 46 in Columbus.

Mayor Jim Lienhoop talked about the quick turnaround in getting proposals approved. He credited state officials, specifically the Indiana Department of Transportation.

Mayor Lienhoop also credited City Engineer Dave Hayward for helping state officials understand to understand the gravity of the situation.

Lienhoop talked about how when his administration took office in January of 2016, it had two major goals: attacking the addiction epidemic and coming up with a plan to deal with the increase in train traffic on the west side of town. Lienhoop says he’s proud of the way the community has come together with the creation of ASAP and The Hub.

The overpass project, estimated to cost between $32 million and $35 million, is expected to ready for traffic by the end of next year. It will take vehicle traffic over the railroad.