The City of Lebanon , with funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and administrative oversight from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), is developing plans for the proposed Witt Road Improvement project (Des. No. 2101721) located along Witt Road, from Lafayette Avenue to Austin Drive, in Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana.

 

The purpose of this project is to is to improve pedestrian mobility and update curb ramps to meet American with Disabilities (ADA) standards, improve the existing curve radius of Witt Road to meet current INDOT design standards, as well as preserve and extend the service life of the existing pavement condition throughout the corridor. The need for the project is evidenced by the lack of pedestrian facilities along Witt Road, from Lafayette Avenue to Austin Drive, as well as the deteriorated condition of the pavement surface throughout the corridor. Additionally, the existing curve radius of Witt Road from Lafayette Avenue to Rovine Drive is too narrow for the current design speed, and therefore does not meet current INDOT design standards.

 

The project proposes to widen Witt Road to include two 11-foot wide travel lanes (one northbound and one southbound), a 10-foot wide asphalt multi-use path along the west side of the roadway, and a 6-foot wide concrete sidewalk on the east side of the roadway. The existing sidewalk along the west side of Witt Road will be removed and replaced by the multi-use path. Additionally, a 6-foot wide sidewalk will be constructed along the northeast side of Lafayette Avenue, beginning at Witt Road and extending southwest to Mar Lee Lane. The project will also include the installation of ADA compliant curb ramps at the intersection of Witt Road with Lafayette Avenue, Rovine Drive, Elizabeth Drive, Victoria Drive, Ashley Drive, Thomas Drive, and Austin Drive. The existing horizontal alignment of Witt Road will be altered by increasing the radius of the curve between Lafayette Avenue and Rovine Drive in order to meet current INDOT design standards. The existing storm sewer network will be reconfigured to accommodate the revised geometry and will direct drainage to Small Reynolds Ditch. A new storm sewer trunkline will be installed under the roadway along the entire length of the project area. New drainage inlets/castings will be installed along Witt Road and connect to the new storm sewer trunkline.

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The proposed construction of this project will require approximately 0.93 acre of new permanent right-of-way and 0.41 acre of temporary right-of-way. The proposed project will not result in the relocation of businesses, residences, or farms along the project corridor.

 

The maintenance of traffic (MOT) plan will include phased construction with detours. Phase I of the MOT will begin at the north end of the project area to just north of Ashley Drive, leaving the intersection of Witt Road and Ashley Drive open. Phase II of the MOT will span from the intersection of Witt Road and Ashley Drive to just north of the intersection of Witt Road and Rovine Drive. Phase III of the MOT will span along Witt Road from Rovine Drive to Lafayette Avenue. Witt Road will be closed to thru traffic and local access will be provided. The detour route will follow Lafayette Road, West Main Street, SR 39 and West County Road 250 North, and will be approximately 4 miles in length. Access to all properties, both residential and commercial, will be maintained during construction. Walkability throughout the project area will be maintained with ADA-compliant pedestrian detour routes installed prior to any sidewalk or curb ramp removal. All pedestrian detour routes will be marked as needed. The MOT is scheduled to be in place for approximately five months. The anticipated start date of construction is Fall 2026. Project stakeholders including local school corporations(s) and emergency services will be notified of potential closures and/or detours prior to construction.

 

The cost associated with this project is approximately $4,317,500 which includes design, right-of-way, and construction costs. Both federal and local funding will be used.