Spring St. bridge is delayed another month

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The Spring Street bridge was originally scheduled for completion on Saturday, but the new date has been set back one month.

County officials said the work on the bridge is complete. However, utility relocation issues caused a delay with approaches and sidewalks.

Classes at University of Saint Francis start next week and the ongoing construction will impact students and staff.

“When I'm trying to go toward town and stuff, it's kind of hard. You have to go around and kind of plan it out ahead,” said University of St. Francis junior Taylor Brown.

Some students were at the university Thursday registering for classes. Some students are frustrated with the construction, others aren’t fazed by it at all.

“When they finish it, they'll finish it,” said Cale Tabler.

The Deer Park Irish Pub on the corner of Leesburg Road and Spring Street has taken the hardest hit because of the construction. Anthony Henry, owner of the pub, said he saw a 22 percent decline in sales last month.

“We are weathering it with great spirit, as the Irish always do. We are fighting Irish,” he said.

Henry said the patrons that do come have to take a back alley just to get to his business.

The bridge was closed in October of 2011 for repair work over the Norfolk-Southern railroad.

County officials said the new completion date has been set for September 28.

University of St. Francis officials said students and staff can visit the university’s website to find out how to get to and around campus.