Valpo intersection getting makeover

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Updated: February 14, 2012 10:17AM

VALPARAISO — The intersection of Evans Avenue and Sturdy Road will have a traffic signal and left-turn lanes by the end of summer.

On Thursday, the Board of Works approved seeking bids for the reconstruction project with the goal of awarding the work in April.

The intersection, which borders residential areas, will be widened on all sides and receive left-turn lanes on Sturdy, drainage improvements and an upgraded sidewalk on the southwest corner. The city will also relocate the power line pole on the southwest corner that now makes turns difficult.

Traffic becomes a problem there because of the Canadian National railroad tracks to the south. “A four-way stop is very inefficient after a train goes through,” City Engineer Adam McAlpine said. He said the project should cost an estimated $130,000 and last two or three months. It will remain open to traffic the entire time.

Also at the Board of Works meeting, the city entered into a 10-year lease agreement with Von Tobel Lumber & Hardware at 256 S. Washington St.

Valparaiso will lease some land south of the business to Von Tobel so the lumber yard can load and unload items from the train tracks behind the building. The business will pay $1,400 a year to use the 2,700 square feet of land, although the board asked that an escape clause go into the lease so either side can end the lease after three years in necessary.

The city is also accepting bids for two new garbage trucks. Valparaiso received a $100,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management for more efficient, less polluting diesel trucks, Public Works Director Matt Evans said.