22-05-2025
Dark clouds don't dim celebration of new Colorado Street bridge in Hobart
The opening of the Colorado Street bridge over the Canadian National Railroad was celebrated with a ribbon cutting and brief comments by Hobart Mayor Josh Huddlestun and former Mayor Brian Snedecor.
That portion of Colorado Street, just north of 69th Avenue, has been closed to traffic since February 2024 and reopened Thursday following the ceremony held under a dark-cloud-filled sky.
Both mayors singled out the Indiana Department of Transportation for its part in funding the project through INDOT's TRAX Program while also thanking other partners in the project including Lochmueller Group, American Structurepoint and Superior Construction.
'This is going to mean a lot more than a bridge over a railroad track. This was one of the pinch points for us. There were lots of accidents. It will definitely help our first responders…We appreciate this from the bottom of our heart,' Huddlestun said.
Snedecor also had nothing but praise for INDOT which awarded Hobart $5,574,280 some seven years ago.
'Back in 2018, we were one of a few communities to receive the TRAX grant. Many of you remember this crossing and trains having to come to a stop. Without INDOT's commitment to funding this would have never happened,' Snedecor said.
The project is part of INDOT's Local Trax Rail Overpass Program which aims to improve safety and mobility at local railroad crossings.
Hobart was awarded over $5 million to convert the grade crossing to a new two-span, prestressed concrete bulb-tee beam bridge with one lane in each direction and a 10-foot sidewalk.
The project also accounted for future growth and traffic in the area, according to city officials.
Matt Deitchley, deputy commissioner for INDOT, said he was there when the TRAX grant was awarded to Hobart and other communities in Northwest Indiana.
'I could not be more excited to see the finish line here today. It will be a huge benefit to mobility but more importantly safety,' Deitchley said.
Gina Sessions, a project manager for American Structurepoint, said even though the road will be open to traffic there will still be some loose ends to complete including sodding and lighting.
