Construction bids delayed until July for replacing Porter bridge
The bridge just south of U.S. 20 suddenly closed on Dec. 1, 2023, when an inspection discovered deteriorating steel beams that made the structure unsafe.
Porter County had originally planned to replace the bridge in 2026 or 2027. There was no money available to do an emergency replacement of the span.
To expedite the project, the county had to finance the project on its own because requirements connected with federal funds could delay the project even more.
The bid opening had to be pushed back from May to July 15, because right-of-way had to be purchased from three property owners near the bridge, said Mike Jabo, director of the Porter County Department of Development and Stormwater Management.
The bridge's design will be different with the deck set at a higher level over the river.
Jabo said the new bridge will cost 'a significant amount of money.' He didn't want to release an estimate before the bids were submitted.
If all goes well, the bridge is projected to open around Memorial Day next year — May 29, 2026.
Meanwhile, the closure will continue to have the biggest impact on the Spring House Inn complex, which is south of the bridge on North Mineral Springs Road. The complex includes an inn, Uno Pizzeria & Grill restaurant, a bar and banquet facilities. Vishal Patel, the owner, has said the restaurant has lost 25% of its revenue because of the closure.
'We have (detour) signs up everywhere, but it doesn't seem to do enough,' said Michael Barry, Porter's development director/building superintendent.
The Spring House Inn complex can be accessed from Beam Street off U.S. 20 to N. Mineral Springs Road.
Patel has said he believes that although there are detour signs on U.S. 20, visitors to the Indiana Dunes National and State Parks speed past because they are unfamiliar with the local roads.
Another replacement issue could be the presence and movement of the Coho and Chinook Salmon in the Little Calumet River's East Branch.
Porter County has to obtain permission from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for an exception to work in the river where the salmon are present from July 15 to Nov. 30. Jabo said they will have to abide by the rules.
Barry said the bridge construction could still proceed above the water.
The construction will start with the demolition of the old bridge and then building a retaining wall.
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