Board approves temporary clear‑span bridge crossings and two easement encroachment permits for IEC 3 construction access

The St. Joseph County Drainage Board unanimously approved permits that allow construction access for the IEC 3 site and also approved two temporary easement encroachment permits.

Andy Denine, the civil engineer on the IEC 3 projects, told the board the developer proposes two clear‑span temporary bridge crossings over the Nezwajani ditch to provide construction access for large trailers and heavy equipment where existing access is constrained. “We are proposing 2 temporary bridge crossings,” Denine said, describing them as clear spans placed to avoid impacts to the floodway, ordinary high watermark and ditch banks; he said the crossings would remain through the construction period and be removed once the SR‑2 interchange and frontage road work are complete.

Denine said the crossings require a ditch crossing permit from the drainage board and additional floodplain permits through the county building department. The board approved the drainage crossing permit.

The board also considered two encroachment permit applications to allow temporary construction traffic within 75 feet of the MJ Lang (Gordon Road area) and the Rogers Clark ditch. Presenters emphasized the permits are for temporary construction access, are intended not to impede county maintenance, and do not authorize permanent fences. A board member moved to approve the MJ Lang encroachment and the board voted to approve it; the Rogers Clark encroachment was approved in a separate vote.

Next steps: county staff will coordinate permit conditions, ensure access for maintenance is preserved, and track removal timelines tied to the completion of related roadway improvements.