Grave removal closes US 27 in Berne

BERNE, Ind. (WANE) - US 27 is closed between State Road 218 (Main Street) and Water Street in Berne starting Monday so graves can be removed for an intersection improvement project.

According to the Indiana Department of Transportation Fort Wayne District, the removal of the remains is necessary for the improvement project at State Road 218 and US 27, which involves widening lanes and building a new right-of-way.

The remains were initially discovered last fall when INDOT crews were preparing for the project. INDOT said professional archaeologists were contracted to excavate the grave shafts. Research shows the burial plots have been moved in shifts over the years. It is currently unknown how many graves have been indentified.

Last fall, it was determined that all remains and associated artifacts will be individually analyzed and properly stored and documented before they are re-interned in the M.R.E. Cemetery under the guidance of a funeral director.

The detour for the road closure follows State Road 124, State Road (Ohio) 81, US 33, State Road (Ohio) 49, State Road (Ohio) 77, State Road 218. It adds about 16 miles for thru traffic.

Work is expected to be complete by the end of May.