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Commissioners hear costly fix likely for Murrayville Road; geotech study advised
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Summary
County highway staff told commissioners Murrayville Road has deep subgrade problems that may require full reconstruction; staff estimated remediation could cost from hundreds of thousands up to roughly $2 million and recommended hiring a geotechnical engineer for investigation before committing funds.
Porter County highway staff told commissioners Jan. 6 that Murrayville Road, a stretch near the north side of the county and adjacent to the airport, shows pronounced settlement and subgrade instability that likely requires more than surface milling.
"It's not just gonna be a simple fix of milling out an inch and a half ... we're just covering up the best of the store," a highway staff member said, describing visible waviness and suggesting the road may require deep restoration, possibly including subbase reconstruction. Staff estimated a repair could range from about $300,000 to several hundred thousand dollars; commissioners cautioned that full remediation might approach $1 million or more depending on scope and subsoil conditions.
Staff said the road was built during airport expansion and was never annexed by the City of Valparaiso, leaving maintenance questions unresolved for years. They also reported past outreach to the city about accepting the road; Valparaiso has since reconsidered but had not committed to taking the segment.
Commissioners and staff discussed short-term options, the possibility of applying for grants, and prioritizing work among nearly 800 miles of county roads. Several commissioners urged hiring a geotechnical engineer to determine root causes and precise cost estimates before committing to major reconstruction.
Next steps: staff will pursue a geotechnical investigation to clarify scope and cost, then return to commissioners with findings and any grant/appropriation options.
