Commissioners approve unofficial detour for SR 18 work, authorize pursuit of three Community Crossing grants

Grant County commissioners on Oct. 6 approved an unofficial detour route for an upcoming Indiana Department of Transportation closure of State Road 18 east of Marion and authorized the highway department to apply for Community Crossing grant funds for three bridges.

Highway Department staff told commissioners they received an informal detour notice from the state indicating a closure of SR 18 east of Marion between Bethlehem and Marion beginning in 2026 so the state can replace a small structure on the westbound lanes. The department recommended routing traffic through Bethlehem and on to 100 North into Marion; the board voted to approve the unofficial detour route after a motion from Commissioner Pulling with a second from Commissioner Stewart.

Highway Superintendent White also reported the department received two new snow plows and is preparing for winter operations. He said he will apply for Community Crossing grants for Bridge 138, Bridge 102 and Bridge 110; he described the three projects as likely to push the total over $1 million and requested authority to pursue the maximum allowable award. Commissioner Stewart moved to approve pursuit of the Community Crossing grants; Commissioner Pulling seconded and the motion carried.

Why it matters: The detour affects local travel patterns while state work is underway and the Community Crossing applications could fund major bridge repairs or replacements that exceed typical county budget capacity.

What comes next: Highway staff will continue coordination with INDOT and local municipalities on detour routing and will submit Community Crossing grant applications; any awarded projects will return for further contract approvals and funding allocation.