Roundabout expected to open next Tuesday; sculpture delayed, may require weekend crane lift

Armando, a staff presenter, told the Whiteland Redeveloped Commission on July 9 that the downtown roundabout is nearly finished and that crews aim to open it next Tuesday.

“We are hoping that we it's open on Tuesday, next Tuesday next week Tuesday,” Armando said, adding that the concrete work is essentially done and remaining tasks include milling and striping. Armando estimated the project is about “90 per 95% done” on concrete and said lighting poles and other core elements are in place.

The commission learned the public-art sculpture intended for the roundabout is delayed about two weeks for sandblasting and painting, and that its installation will require a 50‑ton crane. Armando said the crane will “take more room than what was initially anticipated” and described options to reduce traffic disruption, including staging the lift on a Saturday to minimize peak traffic.

The chair suggested a short, controlled closure when the crane is on-site to improve safety. “For that period of time, let's just shut it down. I mean, it's not gonna hurt to close the road for 4 hours and to make it safer for everybody,” the chair said.

Staff also noted that landscaping will be deferred until about August to avoid plant damage from current construction activity. Final striping and other finishing touches are planned to occur while traffic is directed through adjusted lanes so that the roundabout can be opened to vehicles before the art installation is complete.

Next steps: staff will coordinate the crane lift logistics and traffic control (MOT) with the contractor to minimize disruption; the sculpture installation, painting and planting were described as pending and will follow the roundabout opening.