State approves Maplecrest extension

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The following information was provided by the Indiana Department of Transportation:

On Wednesday, the Indiana Department of Transportation informed the Allen County Board of Commissioners that the Maplecrest Road Extension project can officially proceed.

The project will extend Maplecrest from Lake Avenue to Adams Center Road at Indiana 930 in New Haven. It features construction of 1.5 miles of new four-lane roadway with curb and gutter and four new bridges. In addition, the project includes design of new storm sewers, a multi-use trail, traffic signing, and three at-grade intersections, including three traffic signal designs.

Primco, Inc. of Fort Wayne was awarded the construction contract after submitting the low bid of $28.8 million two months ago.

The County will use money from its Major Bridge Fund, a $25 million bond, a federal earmark of $10 million from Congressman Mark Souder and funding from the cities of Fort Wayne and New Haven and Norfolk Southern Railway to finance the entire project.

Since the majority of the funding is coming from local sources, INDOT is allowing Allen County to make payments on the project in three annual installments. “By allowing us to retain our money and make annual payments, the County will be able to keep any earned interest,” said
Commissioner Linda Bloom. “This is only the second time INDOT officials have made such an arrangement with any county and we appreciate their cooperation.”

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Maplecrest Project will be scheduled in the near future once preparation work is completed. If all goes as planned, the project should be finished sometime in early September of 2012.