Due to heavy storms this week, the scheduled closure of SR 119 and CR 44 at SR 119 intersection has been pushed back. The roads are now scheduled to be closed on Friday, June 19, instead of June 17 as originally announced, weather permitting.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces that SR 119, between CR 7 and SR 19, as well as CR 44E at the SR 119 intersection, will be closed as the intersection improvement project just north of the City of Nappanee continues.

During this phase of the roundabout construction, SR 119 will be closed, along with CR 44 E at the SR 119 intersection. A stop sign will be placed at the intersection of CR 44 W and SR 19. The official state detour for the SR 119 closure is SR 19 to US 6 to SR 15. SR 19 will remain open throughout construction, but lanes will be restricted to an 11-foot width. Also during this phase, the box culvert will be installed over Christophel Ditch.

The following phase of the project will consist of opening the roundabout at SR 119 and CR 44E, while closing CR 44 W to complete the remaining portion of the roundabout. A date for reopening SR 119 and CR 44 E has not been scheduled.

Roundabouts use circular lanes to carry traffic in the same direction to various points of the intersection. The advantages to a roundabout include free flowing traffic without obstructions such as “Stop” signs or signals, which can result in delays. The purpose of the project is to improve access to SR 19, SR 119 and CR 44.

Work on the project is expected to be completed by late October. The project was awarded to Walsh & Kelly Inc. for $2.5 million.