Local communities receiving millions for bridge, street improvements

Several local communities are receiving millions of dollars in federal funds for road and street projects as part of nearly $180 million in grants to 50 cities, towns and counties.

The Indiana Department of Transportation made the announcement Wednesday that the money will be an investment into rural road and bridge improvements as well as sidewalks, under the allocation of federal highway funds.

The largest portion of the funds, just over $129 million, were awarded for projects to rehab or replace 49 rural bridges currently rated in poor condition.

The second largest grant announced in the state will go to Jennings County with $7.2 million to fund a bridge on Ripley Street over the Vernon Fork of the Muscatatuck River.

Johnson County is receiving funding for two bridge projects — $2.3 million for Bridge 63 on Division Road in Union Township and $1.7 million for Bridge 36 on County Road 250S in Needham Township.

Seymour will receive $2.8 million for a road project to improve North O’Brien Street from Burkart Boulevard to Bennett Street.

Communities must contribute at least 20 percent in local matching funds to receive the federal funding.