Latest news with #Coho
Chicago Tribune
22-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Construction bids delayed until July for replacing Porter bridge
The bid opening for a new North Mineral Springs Road Bridge in Porter has been delayed until July, and the challenges might include how construction crews will have to work around the presence of the Coho and Chinook Salmon in the Little Calumet River's East Branch. The bridge just south of U.S. 20 suddenly closed on Dec. 1, 2023, when an inspection discovered deteriorating steel beams that made the structure unsafe. Porter County had originally planned to replace the bridge in 2026 or 2027. There was no money available to do an emergency replacement of the span. To expedite the project, the county had to finance the project on its own because requirements connected with federal funds could delay the project even more. The bid opening had to be pushed back from May to July 15, because right-of-way had to be purchased from three property owners near the bridge, said Mike Jabo, director of the Porter County Department of Development and Stormwater Management. The bridge's design will be different with the deck set at a higher level over the river. Jabo said the new bridge will cost 'a significant amount of money.' He didn't want to release an estimate before the bids were submitted. If all goes well, the bridge is projected to open around Memorial Day next year — May 29, 2026. Meanwhile, the closure will continue to have the biggest impact on the Spring House Inn complex, which is south of the bridge on North Mineral Springs Road. The complex includes an inn, Uno Pizzeria & Grill restaurant, a bar and banquet facilities. Vishal Patel, the owner, has said the restaurant has lost 25% of its revenue because of the closure. 'We have (detour) signs up everywhere, but it doesn't seem to do enough,' said Michael Barry, Porter's development director/building superintendent. The Spring House Inn complex can be accessed from Beam Street off U.S. 20 to N. Mineral Springs Road. Patel has said he believes that although there are detour signs on U.S. 20, visitors to the Indiana Dunes National and State Parks speed past because they are unfamiliar with the local roads. Another replacement issue could be the presence and movement of the Coho and Chinook Salmon in the Little Calumet River's East Branch. Porter County has to obtain permission from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for an exception to work in the river where the salmon are present from July 15 to Nov. 30. Jabo said they will have to abide by the rules. Barry said the bridge construction could still proceed above the water. The construction will start with the demolition of the old bridge and then building a retaining wall.
Vancouver Sun
06-05-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
U.S. ferry to Victoria delays full summer schedule until June 26
Citing slower than expected traffic volumes, Black Ball Ferry Line is delaying implementation of its full summer sailing schedule. Rather than ramping up to four sailings of the MV Coho car ferry daily between Victoria and Port Angeles, Washington, by June 12, as the company had hoped, it will now add the extra sailing starting June 26. Black Ball president Ryan Burles said when they made the decision last fall to implement the fourth sailings in early June — based on a strong spring in 2024 and expectations that this year would be similar — they had no idea there would be tension between the U.S. and Canada this spring. The impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs and threats directed at Canada has been felt at border crossings across the country and Burles said Black Ball has seen a 14% drop in traffic this year. Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Westcoast Homes will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. As a result, the June sailing schedule for the Coho will continue with three sailings daily until June 26. The company has cancelled the 9:30 p.m. sailings from Port Angeles between June 12 and June 25 and cancelled the 6:10 a.m. sailings from Victoria between June 13 and June 26. Travellers with reservations on those sailings have been notified by phone and email, and will be offered alternative sailings, or a full refund.
