News Source: WFFT.com, Fort Wayne

The Allen County Highway Department will begin the next phase in the Bass Road Project on February 5.

The stretch of construction will begin just west of the Bass Road and N. Scott Road intersection and continue east, ending just past the Westcott Ridge neighborhood.

"We understand that this work creates some logistical issues for people living in the area, so we posted closure pre-warning signs on January 24 to give people a week and a half to take note of construction and plan a new route accordingly," said Allen County Highway Director, Bill Hartman, "Bass Road is a strategic corridor cutting through the west central part of Allen County. Due to many low-lying areas and several waterways, the roadwork has required extensive engineering and stretches of bridgework and roundabouts, features that increase construction time."

The first phase of the Bass Road construction project began in April 2017. It requires five phases, spanning through 2025.

Clearing of right-of-way, utility relocation, storm sewer installation and trail construction are all part of the project beyond just the concrete work.

Federal funding is covering 80% of the costs for the project.

Allen County was a Gold Winner in the County Road Category at the 2023 National American Concrete Pavement Association Excellence in Concrete Pavement Design Awards.

Allen County's Engineering Services Manager, Margaret Hershberger, worked with INDOT, E5 Nano Silica, Milestone LP, Speedway Construction Products and American Structurepoint to integrate E5 liquid fly ash into the pavement mix, an innovative way to improve the workability, strength, and durability of hardened concrete.

"We had to work closely with all our partners. Allen County is leading the way, we are the first agency to use this technology for a complete road project in the United States," said Hershberger, "This road is a crucial step towards SMART Highway technology and innovation. By reducing cement and improving the internal properties of concrete, we have taken a monumental step towards sustainable infrastructure and reducing the carbon footprint. Bass Road has exceeded our expectations on excellence in concrete pavements. Allen County looks forward to being on the forefront, continuing our partnerships and paving the way for the future of concrete infrastructure."

From Monday morning through November 2024, drivers are advised to slow down and observe posted detour routes when traveling in the construction area.