WARSAW – Nothing has been decided about the proposed long-term revamping of U.S. 30 into a limited-access freeway, but there seems to be a lot of momentum in that direction.
While it could still be at least two decades from coming together – if ever – officials in Warsaw want to have a hand in choosing the aesthetic style of the overpasses and interchanges and have been advised by the Indiana Department of Transportation to begin considering those issues.
On Friday, the city Board of Works and Safety voted to hire the engineering firm, DLZ, South Bend, to work with the city in developing a design scheme.
That could include everything from the color of bricks used on overpasses and how the city chooses to incorporate signs welcoming travelers on the highway.
The study has nothing to do with choosing the path of the highway, said City Planner Justin Taylor.
In a letter to the board, Taylor explained that “gateways” to the city “serve as the first impression for visitors to the community. “We want to give thought to these entrance points and make make sure they reflect the values and price we have in our community,” he said.
While discussing the request on Friday, Taylor was a bit more blunt. Without that input, INDOT could very well choose a more generic design.
“It’s very important that we take this opportunity to weigh in while the bridges and overpasses and underpasses are being designed and built so that we don’t get the … cheapest option,” Taylor said.
Mayor Joe Thallemer said it’s important the city get a headstart on what could happen.
What they hope to achieve is similar to what communities in Carmel, Westfield and Mooresville have done with recent highway construction projects.
According to paperwork provided by the city, the cost of the gateway study is $10,500.
In other matters:
- The board approved plans by Warsaw-Wayne Fire territory to rent office space west of the city hall parking lot for two administrators. Rent will be $1,000 per month. The move is being made to provide more room at Fire Station No. 2 on Center Street for the territory’s C.A.R.E.S. program.
The agreement is between Michael Welborn, Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory and the city of Warsaw for office space at 119 W. Center St., Suite B. The move is viewed as a temporary arrangement, Thallemer said.
- The board approved a $100,000 agreement with Kosciusko County Economic Development Corporation for services in 2023.
- The board approved the 2023 agreement between the city and the Animal Welfare League for $35,000.
