SOUTH LINK ROAD NOW OPEN TO TRAFFIC

Mayor Jeremy Stutsman is proud to announce the opening of the Waterford Mills Parkway overpass, locally known as the South Link Road overpass, on the south side of town.

“After more than a decade of hard work, led by Mayor Allan Kauffman, between the redevelopment commission, council, city administration and staff, we’re happy to offer Goshen yet another option for getting around trains and moving through the city more efficiently,” Mayor Stutsman said.

Construction began this year in April with a completion date set for Sept. 8, 2017. The contractor, Phend & Brown, was able to complete most of the work in seven months, staying nine months ahead of schedule.

Kristine Thurston, Construction Observer Manager with DLZ and the project supervisor for the South Link Road overpass, said the project was completed thanks to the city, contractor and utilities companies working to relocate utilities and to allow the contractor to modify and combine phases of the original planned contract.

“We all worked together to coordinate and get the needed work done in order to make this happen,” she said.

Mayor Stutsman also commended all those who had a part for their work completing the project in a timely manner.

“I’m grateful for all the hard work from everyone who has been involved,” he said.

Dustin Sailor, Director of Public Works, said the Michiana Area Council of Governments and the Indiana Department of Transportation also played an important role in the process, funding the project and coordinating work between the local roadway project and the state road improvements on S.R. 15.

Though the road will be open to the public, the contractor will return in the spring to finish off some minor work, including driveways, sidewalks and landscaping.

Additionally, Mayor Stutsman said he is already talking with county officials to discuss the future section of the roadway, with plans of connecting it to C.R. 17.