After three weeks of restricted traffic flow in downtown Noblesville, roadways were completely reopened last week.
City Engineer John Beery said the project was completed in two phases – the intersection of Conner and Eighth streets and the portion of Eighth Street in front of the Hamilton County Judicial Center and its intersection with Logan Street.
Despite several days of rainy weather, Beery said the project was finished a couple days ahead of schedule and came in on budget. Of the $350,000 price tag, Beery said the city will pay $190,000 and received a $50,000 grant from the Hoosier Heritage Port Authority. The state will contribute $160,000 to the project.
The project replaced the railroad tracks on a portion of Eighth Street from just south of Conner Street to just north of Logan Street. The railroad tracks were removed so the concrete pads could be removed and replaced, and then new tracks will be installed. Beery said the top pads were in bad shape but the bottom pads were still in good shape.
“They were beat up on top. Reinforced steel was exposed,” he said.
Beery said the new tracks have a smaller gap which makes a smoother drive for vehicles traveling over them and should protect the tracks and increase its durability.
