Dearborn County to implement unofficial detour during State Road 350 closure

Dearborn County officials are grappling with significant road maintenance challenges, as highlighted in the recent Board of Commissioners meeting on May 6, 2025. A key focus was the pressing need for repairs on various roadways, particularly the ongoing issues with slips and the impact on paving budgets.

Commissioner discussions revealed that fixing road slips is a costly endeavor, with estimates around $900,000 for specific repairs. This financial burden complicates the county's ability to maintain and upgrade its extensive road network, which includes 503 miles of total roads—465 miles of which are paved. The county is also contending with 25 miles of gravel roads, which many residents may not realize still exist.

The conversation underscored the reality that while the county has limited funds to patch and maintain roads, upgrading them to asphalt is not feasible under current budget constraints. "We have to concentrate on our through roads, our heavily traveled roads," one commissioner noted, emphasizing that lower-volume roads often become secondary in funding priorities.

In addition to maintenance discussions, the meeting addressed an upcoming closure of State Road 350 for approximately 20 days this summer due to necessary reconstruction work. This closure will affect traffic patterns, and officials are preparing to implement an unofficial detour route to manage local traffic effectively.

The commissioners acknowledged the community's concerns about road conditions and the need for ongoing communication regarding maintenance issues. They encouraged residents to report problems like potholes, assuring them that while upgrades may not be possible, the county is committed to keeping roads in passable condition.

As the county navigates these challenges, the focus remains on prioritizing essential repairs and maintaining safety for all road users.