Board approves lane restrictions, night work and BP monitoring permit affecting Kennedy Avenue and Hump Road

The Hammond City Board of Public Works and Safety on Nov. 13 approved several right-of-way and traffic-control permits that will affect Kennedy Avenue, 165th Street and Hump Road.

Dean Button (S5), presenting correspondence tied to county bridge work, said Dunnet Bay requested restricting Kennedy Avenue to a single lane with traffic-signal control between Gibson Transfer Road and Michigan Street beginning Nov. 17 for about two weeks to complete sidewalk repairs, lighting and erosion work. "The goal is to be done and out of there before, Thanksgiving," Button said. The board approved the lane restriction with the condition that proper signage and MOT (maintenance of traffic) be in place.

The board also approved a request from FH Passion to perform night lane closures on 165th Street in South Shore from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. to install loop detection for South Shore Line gate equipment; the presenter noted nighttime work reduces daytime disruption. The board approved that request.

Engineering staff asked the board to approve five right-of-way permits. Among routine water, sewer and gas connections, staff highlighted a permit allowing BP to install a soil-corrosion monitoring device in a vault near Hump Road (Summer Street at Hump) to investigate potential corrosiveness near petroleum pipelines. The board approved the permits.

Separately, the board approved a professional services agreement for the US 41 screen wall design and coordination with Butler, Fairman, and Sufort Inc., presented by Dean Button; that item was tied to an intergovernmental resolution with the port.

The board approved these items by voice vote. Staff said they will coordinate scheduling and signage and will work to minimize disruptions during Thanksgiving-week travel.