The City of Valparaiso is preparing to begin an ambitious multi-mile project that will improve more than four miles of the city’s most traveled roadways, including Roosevelt Road, Calumet Avenue and Morgan Boulevard. “This multi-mile project is an ambitious one that will improve travel for many and improve these main arteries for years to come,” said Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy.
The roadways to be improved are Calumet Avenue from Morgan to Bullseye Lake, Roosevelt Road from LaPorte to Calumet and Morgan Boulevard from Lincolnway to Calumet. Work will include structural resurfacing that will substantially extend the life of the roadway, plus pavement markings, curb repairs, sidewalk repairs along the roadway, including ADA ramps to improve accessibility. While preliminary work has begun, the full project will launch after Popcorn Festival on Sept. 11, with substantial completion by Thanksgiving. To minimize disruption for motorists as well as neighboring residents and businesses, the plan calls for much of the work to take place in overnight hours.
“These three streets are some of the city’s most important and widest, making this an ambitious and impactful project,” said Valparaiso Engineering Director Mike Jabo. “These improvements will make our streets easier to travel for both motorists and pedestrians,” he said. The multi-mile project is a $2.6 million investment in the city, supported by a $1 million Community Crossing grant.
In addition to the multi-mile project, the City of Valparaiso will also complete improvements to areas of the city that matter most to residents, including neighborhood streets, alleys and sidewalks. “Our priority is to make a difference that impacts many of us with this main roadway multi-mile project, but also to make a difference in the neighborhoods themselves and to improve the quality of sidewalks in areas where attention has been long overdue,” said Murphy.
The neighborhood streets to be improved in 2021 include:
- Ade Avenue (Riley Road to cul-de-sac)
- Chicago Street (Lafayette Street to Napoleon Street)
- Emmett Court (William Drive to cul-de-sac)
- Napoleon Street (Jefferson Street to Chicago Street)
- Northview Drive (Clover Lane to 150 feet east of Clover Lane)
- Saddlebrook Crossing (cul-de-sac to Windsor Trail)
- Windsor Trail (cul-de-sac to Vale Park Road)