Jeremy Skinner and Joe Thallemer explained what residents could expect during construction.

WARSAW — Questions and concerns were expressed during a public forum held by the city to inform the public of what to expect during the construction on Husky Trail. Many residents attended the forum on Monday, March 27, held at Harrison Elementary School to learn what they can anticipate during the seven month long construction project.

Construction on Husky Trail will begin April 3. Until the project is anticipated to be completed October 20, patrons will have to adjust their routes as they maneuver around the construction.

Mayor Joe Thallemer and City Planner Jeremy Skinner explained to the public what can be expected during the project.

“We’re here, it’s gonna happen, it’s not gonna be easy,” said Thallemer at the beginning of the gathering.

Thallemer explained that Warsaw has been working with the Indiana Department of Transportation on the Husky Trail project since 2012. They had originally planned for a five-phase project, however, the city has decided to complete the construction two phases. They felt the five-phase project would be too confusing to continually communicate with the public whether they would have to come from the north or south to get into businesses on Husky Trail.

The first phase of the construction will be from Mariner Drive to just south of the intersection of North Pointe and Husky Trail. The roundabout will be constructed at the intersection of Mariner and Husky Trail and will be completed during this phase. Thallemer assured the public that local traffic will have access during the entirety of construction. Businesses will stay open and houses will continue to be accessible. Construction will begin April 3 and end in August for the first phase. Thallemer stated they hope to have this phase completed by the time school starts.

The second phase of construction will be from North Pointe and end past Sophie Lane. This final phase is slated to be completed October 20, however, it was noted this date will most likely change.

During the phases, local traffic will have access to Husky Trail. Through traffic will be directed to a detour. During the first phase, through traffic will be directed to go on US 30 to CR 200N to access Husky Trail. During the second phase, through traffic will be routed from US 30 and enter from the south of Husky Trail. Thallemer mentioned signage for the detours will be posted on US 30 and Husky Trail.

It was noted that school traffic will not be considered local traffic and they will have to follow the detour guidelines. Harrison Elementary School Principal Matthew Deeds mentioned during the meeting that they will be sending information to parents to explain the routes they will have to take during the school year.

Skinner stated one of the main goals of the project was to make the area safer and help traffic flow. Skinner stated Husky Trailer will essentially become a three lane road with lanes specifically dedicated to left and right turn lanes at public street intersections. The road will include a combined curb and gutter, sidewalks, curb ramps and street lighting. Skinner stated the road will look similar to Market Street.

After the presentation, residents had questions about how the construction would affect access to their residences off of Husky Trail. Some business owners and residents mentioned some frustration that there were no visuals provided at the meeting to help explain the different phases of the project. Residents also mentioned some concerns with losing electricity and accessibility during the construction.

Thallemer and Skinner emphasized that individuals should not hesitate to call their offices if they have issues during the construction.

Project plans were available for residents to look at after the meeting.