Detention pond work ties up Taft Street traffic
By Karen Caffarini Post-Tribune correspondent August 30, 2012 4:30PM
Construction of a retention pond in the area of 69th Avenue and Taft Street is underway in Merrillville, Ind. Thursday August 30, 2012. The work is part of a drainage improvement program. | Stephanie Dowell~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: October 1, 2012 5:47PM
MERRILLVILLE — Motorists traveling on Taft Street between 73rd and 68th avenues could encounter some delays as work continues on the Taft Street drainage improvement project.
At least one lane will remain open as workers from Dyer Construction Co. create a large detention pond at the northeast corner of approximately 69th and Taft Street, across from Calumet Park Cemetery, Matthew Lake, executive director of Merrillville Stormwater Utility, said.
Lake said trucks are entering and leaving the site throughout the day while excavation work is taking place. He said a flagging crew will alert drivers if they need to stop to let the trucks through.
“The work on the north pond should be done in about a week and a half, then work will begin on the south end at 73rd. There will be the same traffic controls,” Lake said.
Motorists wanting to avoid a delay should take Harrison Street and Broadway to the east and Hendricks Street to the west.
Lake said a majority of the project will be completed in the next few months, with other portions taking place next spring.
The drainage project includes the creation of two detention ponds — one just east of 73rd Avenue and Taft Street and one just east of 69th Avenue and Taft Street — as well as replacement of undersized culverts and storm sewers at four locations and construction of two storage areas. The storage areas will provide both flood control and a naturalized wetland habitat.
