FORT WAYNE – Motorists should have an easier time getting into and out of downtown by Friday evening rush hour.
The Indiana Department of Transportation announced Tuesday it will reopen the section of Clinton Street just south of State Boulevard on Friday. Removal of the detour and the switch of traffic to the newly constructed bridge should begin by mid-morning, weather permitting.
The major southbound artery into downtown that carries U.S. 27 traffic was closed in March to replace the bridge over Spy Run Creek and soften the curve of the street south of the bridge. The $2.1 million project also raised the bridge about 7 feet to avoid future flooding problems.
During construction, local traffic was diverted south onto one lane of the normally northbound Spy Run Avenue by using State Boulevard and Elizabeth Street.
Even after the street is open, there are to be intermittent lane restrictions to allow contractors to rebuild the approaches to Elizabeth and Jacob streets. The entire project, including landscaping work, is to be finished in late October.
This section of Clinton carried about 22,000 vehicles per day before it was closed.
