Published: December 02, 2008 10:53 am         

Right of entry permits granted for bridge project

By JOHN KLINE

john.kline@goshennews.com



Two right of entry permits were approved by Elkhart County Commissioners Monday in connection with construction of the Johnson Street and Six Span bridges in Elkhart.

According to Elkhart County Highway Director Jeff Taylor, the first permit request involved an agreement between the County and property owner Indiana Michigan Power to allow the County access to the Johnson Street Bridge site in order to begin construction.

“This is an agreement between the County and I&M to permit us to build the bridge on the property,” Taylor said.

Taylor noted that work has already begun at the site with I&M’s blessing, adding that Monday’s approval of the right of entry permit simply formalizes that already established agreement.

Next to be approved was a right of entry permit request involving an agreement between the County and I&M to construct and permit operation of a temporary boat launch at the Nibbyville Boat ramp.

Taylor indicated that construction of the temporary site will provide a alternative boat launch area while the current boat launch, located at the Six Span Bridge site, is closed while the bridge undergoes construction.

Also approved Monday in connection with the Johnson Street Bridge work was an addendum to an agreement between the County and project contractor Anlaan Corporation for closing of the nearby fishing pier.

“This is based on Anlaan using the fishing pier as a work area,” Taylor said, noting that the company will most likely use the area for operating machinery such as cranes and storing building materials.

Taylor said Anlaan’s only other option would have been to close the roadway, causing undue hardship to motorists in the area.

As a stipulation for the closing, Taylor indicated that a $250,000 portion of the total payment for the bridge project will be withheld from Anlaan until the fishing pier has been restored to its original specifications.