La Porte County approves $1.26 million Phase 2 rehabilitation for Franklin Street Bridge

La Porte County commissioners voted Nov. 5 to move forward with the Phase 2 rehabilitation of the Franklin Street Bridge after reviewing final bid and scheduling information.

Project manager Andy Schia told commissioners the total price for the complete Phase 2 rehabilitation is $1,262,000, of which roughly $300,000 will be performed by the county’s project team. Schia said the county has received an official closure permit from the U.S. Coast Guard; he requested the permit window run Jan. 5 through March 15 to avoid the holiday season and allow time to sequence weather-sensitive work.

Commissioners discussed whether the county could adjust the work schedule to accommodate a Michigan City event scheduled for late February. Schia said the contractor could prioritize work to allow a short window for the event if the commission wanted that accommodation, but that sequencing would depend on weather and materials availability. Charity Glaser, the county’s highway superintendent, clarified that the county would not allow any crossings without partner permission from Michigan City and that final scheduling decisions would be driven by construction safety and weather conditions.

After questions, a commissioner moved to proceed with the project and associated closure; the motion was seconded and carried with all present voting “aye.” Commissioners directed staff to continue coordinating with Michigan City on any event requests and to return to the board with any changes to schedule or scope.

The contract and project documents will be administered through the county’s project manager and highway department; commissioners did not adopt additional funding changes at the Nov. 5 meeting.